Manipur quake: President Mukherjee condoles loss of lives

New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday condoled the loss of lives in the earthquake that hit Manipur and other parts of northeast.

“Heartfelt condolences on loss of lives, injuries & damage to property caused by #earthquake in Manipur,” said President Mukherjee in a tweet.

In the wake of the devastating earthquake, the Manipur Government has decided to close all the government and private schools for the next seven days.

Meanwhile, Minister of State (PMO) Jitendra Singh met the victims of the earthquake and assured them all possible assistance from the Centre.

Singh earlier met Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh along with Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju and discussed the situation post the quake.

Rijiju earlier asserted that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and central and state government forces are working together in the relief-rescue operation in earthquake-hit areas of the northeast.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has also assured that the Centre will extend all possible help to the affected states.

The Home Minister briefed Prime Minister Modi over phone about the situation and the steps taken for rescue and relief.

In a series of tweets, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “NDRF team has been instructed to move from Guwahati to the areas affected by the earthquake.”

At least seven persons were killed and over 100 others injured after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck the India-Myanmar border at around 4: 30 a.m., causing damage to many buildings and spreading panic among the people.

ANI