A woman and her child were buried alive after a landslide struck a village in Manipur's Tamenglong district, officials said. On Monday night, debris from the landslide fell on the house of Ringsinlung Kahmei, a constable with the Manipur Police, killing his wife and child on the spot, while leaving him critically injured. As a result of his critical injuries, Kahmei was airlifted to Imphal on Tuesday for further treatment, officials said. Expressing grief over the incident, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh tweeted, "Deeply saddened to learn about the tragic loss of a mother and her child due to the landslide that occurred last night in Dimthanlong village, Tamenglong Ward No. 3."
"My heart goes out to the bereaved family. Our thoughts are with Mr. Ringsinlung Kahmei, who has been critically injured in this incident. We are taking immediate steps to ensure he receives the necessary medical attention and advanced care," he added.Â
During the monsoon season, landslides and mudslides are common in the hilly areas of Manipur, and the Tamenglong district is known for such natural catastrophes. These landslides are often triggered by heavy rainfall, which loosens the soil and causes it to slide down slopes, engulfing everything in its path. The region's rugged terrain and dense vegetation further exacerbate the impact of such disasters, making rescue operations challenging and time-consuming. The local administration, along with disaster management teams, frequently issues warnings and takes preventive measures during the rainy season to minimize the loss of life and property.
In this tragic incident, the immediate response involved deploying local rescue teams and coordinating with medical facilities to provide urgent care to the injured. The airlifting of Constable Kahmei to Imphal underscores the severity of his injuries and the urgent need for advanced medical intervention. The community, already familiar with the risks posed by landslides, has been deeply affected by the loss and is rallying to support the surviving members of the family.Â
The Chief Minister's prompt response and assurance of support reflect the government's commitment to addressing such emergencies and providing necessary assistance to those affected. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and the importance of continuous vigilance and preparedness to mitigate their impact. As the state mourns this loss, efforts are underway to provide relief and support to the affected families, ensuring they have access to the resources needed to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the disaster.
