Manipur has sought Rs.20 crore from centre: Official

Imphal, Jan 7: Manipur has sought Rs.20 crore from the centre for the relief and rehabilitation of the people affected by the January 4 earthquake, a senior official has said here.

However, the central government was yet to respond to the request, Manipur Chief Secretary Oinam Nabakishore said at a public function here on Wednesday evening.

"For the time being, the Manipur government has sanctioned Rs.2 crore for providing immediate relief to the affected, with Rs.50 lakh each given to four worst-affected districts," he said.

The chief secretary also said that a team of National Disaster Management Authority will visit Imphal on January 9 to assess the damage to two marketing complexes meant for women vendors.

Teams of National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force on Thursday morning visited Noney and Nungba sub-divisions in Tamenglong district, where the quake's epicentre was located.

Most villagers whose houses collapsed were allegedly facing the winter chill without any government assistance.

Villagers of Kabui Khullen, where the quake epicentre was located, complained that muddy water that spouted after the temblor had polluted streams and waterholes in the area.

After the quake, union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said: "The Centre has sought a report on the damages. Once we get it, adequate assistance will be extended."

IANS