Imphal

With the recovery of 13 more bodies, the death toll in the devastating landslide in Manipur's Noney district has risen to 21.

50 people are still feared buried in the debris at the site of the landslide which was triggered by incessant rains on Thursday.

Among the dead are 15 personnel of the Territorial army.

The landslide occurred at an under-construction railway site. 

According to DGP P Doungel, "As many as 23 people were extracted from the debris of which 14 were dead. Searches are continuing for the others. Not confirmed how many are buried but as of now 60 people including villagers, army, railway personnel and labourers are buried", said DGP P Doungel.

Search operations continued on Thursday night and engineering equipment including bulldozers have been pressed into service for creating access to the accident site to help in the rescue efforts.

The landslide took place near the company location of 107 Territorial Army of the Indian Army deployed near Tupul Railway Station in Noney district for protection of the under-construction railway line from Jiribam to Imphal.

Troops of the Indian Army, Assam Rifles and Territorial Army are helping the teams from Indian railways, civil administration, NDRF, and SDRF in the search and rescue operations.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the landslide situation caused due to incessant rainfall in Manipur with Chief Minister N Biren Singh and assured full possible support from the central government.

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Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh visited Tupul to take stock of the situation.