IMPHAL, January 8: Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today issued an appeal to all against spreading rumours and causing unnecessary panic and fear psychosis among the public following the January 4 morning earthquake.
Accompanied by an official team including engineers, seismologists, disaster relief force personnel and the media, the Deputy Chief Minister today visited Noney Part I and II in Tamenglong district to assess damages incurred during the earthquake.
Addressing villagers of Noney Part I located just 18 kms from the epicentre of the January 4 earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, Gaikhangam said the situation has limped back to normalcy and soon on completion of the damage assessment, the government will release compensations.
The Deputy Chief Minister led team also visited churches, houses and other places affected by the earthquake.
Natural calamity is beyond human control and a quake of such magnitude happens only once or twice in a hundred years in the State, he said.
Such a strong quake would have taken thousands of lives and displaced many in some other places, he said.
An earthquake of such magnitude measuring 6.8 Richter scale and the epi-centre being in Noney is of much concern, he said.
However, with god’s blessing there were no deaths at the epi-centre and the State suffered minimal destruction, unfortunately the death toll has risen to nine till yesterday, he said.
He further express condolence for all the losses suffered and prayed for the speedy recovery of all those injured during the earthquake.
He said he has been in touch with engineers, concerned DC, SP, SDOs, ADC members, village chiefs and community elders and discussing ways to extend support to the quake victims.
Gaikhangam also assured all possible support to the victims from State as well as the Central governments.
However, it will not be wise to spread rumours at this time, he said and elaborated further that his team which included seismologists has inspected the epi-centre and concluded that as of now there is no need for mass shifting of villagers in the area.
He said it is the same for the Bungte Chiru Village, where he has already taken stock of the situation.
The Deputy Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio during his visit today distributed relief materials including 20 quintals of rice, three quintals of dal, one quintal of sugar, two bags of onions, one bag of garlic, 50 litres of cooking oil, 40 kgs of milk powder, 20 tarpaulins, 30 blankets and 50 utensils for the villagers.
He further donated Rs 2 lakhs as relief fund and said UNACCO MD Irabanta has also contributed Rs 1 lakh.
The same quantity of relief materials was also distributed at Noney Part II.