IMPHAL, Jan 4 - A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.7 in the Richter scale with its epicentre near a remote village about 17 kms north of Noney town in Manipur�s Tamenglong district, rocked the entire State and NE India, besides parts of neighbouring countries at 4.35 am. Seven persons were killed, while about 70 persons sustained injuries.
The tremor also forced the busy Nupi Keithel (women market) in the heart of Imphal town to be closed down following damages in three market complexes, while movement of vehicles along the Minuthong Bridge in Imphal was restricted following the appearance of cracks in the middle.
State Government officials, troops of Assam Rifles, International Red Cross Society volunteers of the Manipur unit along with 65 members of National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) joined the relief operations.
Meanwhile, a 24X7 control room (0385-2440909) was set up besides respective control rooms in districts while some school buildings have been identified for setting up of temporary hospitals if the need so arises.
Prime Minister and Home Minister spoke to the State Chief Minister O Ibobi and assured necessary possible help.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Home, Kiren Rijiju and DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh have air dashed to Imphal to take stock of the situation.
