Centre assures all help to quake-hit Manipur

The central government has assured the Manipur government all assistance in coping up with January 4 earthquake's aftermath, union Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Friday.

The minister for environment, forest and climate change, who is on a two-day visit in the state to monitor the fallout of the temblor, was speaking to reporters at the airport.

He said he would also visit some tribal areas to assess their problems and examine the issue of shifting agricuture and cultivation.

"I have already visited Kangla Fort and will visit the Loktak lake, the largest fresh water lake in eastern India, on Saturday," the minister said, adding he would see for himself the environmental changes in the lake.

Javadekar will then proceed to Mizoram for similar study of the impact of the quake.

"The Centre is well aware of the hardships of the people of the state affected by the earthquake and funds shall not be lacking," he said.

Meanwhile, the forecast by the experts from the Delhi University that Kabui Khullen, the epicentre of the earthquake, may cave in in the next rains triggered fear among the tribals, making them to migrate to safer places.

The epicentre was located in the middle of the church inside the village.

At least 10 houses were destroyed by the quake. Personnel of National Disaster Response Force from Guwahati are spreading public awareness among the tribals about the dos and don'ts in the event of another earthquake.

During his three-day visit to the northeastern region for assessment of various projects and sanctuaries, officials said, Javadekar is scheduled to hold meetings in Mizoram and Tripura as well.