IMPHAL, May 29: Incessant rains have disrupted normal life across Manipur as hundreds of people have been affected by floods in Manipur’s Imphal Valley, an official said on Wednesday.
The overflowing Imphal River has inundated several areas, with water entering hundreds of houses, affecting several thousands, who have been forced to take shelter at nearby community halls, he said.
“Due to incessant rainfall, the riverbank has been breached near Keirang, Khabam and Lairiyengbam Leikai areas in Imphal East district and water gushed into several areas, inundating hundreds of houses,” he said.
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Several areas in Heingang and Khurai assembly constituencies in Imphal East district have been badly affected, with floodwater at chest level in many parts.
Over 4,000 people may have been affected by the flood, though exact figures are unavailable at the moment.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh said, “Due to breach in riverbank in several areas, many people and livestock have been affected. All authorities concerned, including state government officials, security and NDRF personnel and local volunteers, are working tirelessly to provide assistance to the affected people. Those stranded are being relocated to safe areas by boats.”
Floods were reported from across the state, with the hill districts being the most affected.
Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-37, the second lifeline of the people of Manipur has also been cut off after the bailey bridge on Irang River at Taobam village in Noney district collapsed amid mudslides at various places along the stretch of the highway. The bridge was a vital structure on NH 37 connecting Imphal and Silchar.
Strong water current triggered by heavy downpour led to the collapse of the bailey bridge in the afternoon on Tuesday.
The collapse of the bridge occurred at a time rescuers were engaged in clearing the debris at various places along the highway.
A loaded truck was also swept into the gorge by a heavy mudslide along the same highway near K Sinam village of Kangpokpi district on Tuesday around 9.30 am.
Fortunately, no casualty was reported. Many vehicles remain stranded on both sides, waiting for excavators to clear the debris.
In Senapati district, many rivers and streams were overflowing and flood waters entered several localities of the district.
The continuous heavy downpour also severely affected other hill districts including Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Pherzawl, Chandel, Kangpokpi etc.
The heavy downpour accompanied by gusty wind also caused widespread damages to the houses and other structures across Tamenglong district, the reports said. Roofs of several houses were swept away by the gusty wind.
There were reports of overflow of smaller rivers across the valley districts amid flooding of low lying areas due to water logging.
The water logging also created traffic chaos on the streets across the capital city including those situated by the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences and the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government through the district administrations had issued an advisory to the general public on Tuesday to remain alert and take necessary precautions to avoid the loss of life and property in view of the severe cyclonic storm Remal.
The advisories stated the severe cyclonic storm Remal may be accompanied by rain and squally wind gusting up to 55 kmph over the state starting from May 26.
The Indian Meteorological Department had issued an orange alert for the entire state of Manipur.
One of the public advisory issued by Imphal East deputy commissioner advised the general public to stay informed and keep themselves updated with the latest weather forecasts and warnings issued by local, state, and national authorities.
The advisory directed the public to ignore rumors, keep their doors and windows shut and secure loose objects. They are also to prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as non -perishable foods, water, torchlights, first aid supplies, medicines, etc. for safety and survival. Children and elderly have been asked to stay indoors and not venture out until absolutely necessary.
The state government has asked the people to postpone agriculture and other related activities during the inclement weather. They are to call on emergency helpline numbers for any query or assistance. (With inputs from PTI, NNN)
