Manipur, the state that has been torn apart by ethnic clashes since May 4, 2023, is now trying to cope with nature’s fury. Of the 16 districts, 2 districts – Imphal East and Imphal West are flooded affecting at least 10,000 people.
Schools are shut today and tomorrow and because of the worsening flood situation with most rivers flowing above the danger mark threatening to inundate more areas, the state government declared a public holiday today with offices and business establishments forced to keep their shutters down bringing life to a grinding halt.
If rains continue overnight, then Bishnupur and Thoubal districts too will be under water, authorities said. Already about 10,000 people have been affected in Impahl East and Imphal West. 20 relief camps have been set up, 10 each in the two districts reeling under flood waters. Around 1,440 people are staying in the camps in Imphal East and 2,300 people have taken shelter in the relief camps in Imphal West.
Imphal, Iril and Kongba rivers have already overflown in Imphal leading to flooding. Water level in Nambul river is still below the danger mark in Imphal. But if the rain continues overnight, the water level in Nambul will rise leading to floods in Bishnupur. The rise in Thoubal river would lead to flooding in Thoubal district. The water level of Thoubal is expected to increase also because the Iril and Imphal rivers which are already overflowing, meets with the Thoubal river in Thoubal.
The state might be staring at a shortage of food and vegetables and other essentials as most paddy fields in the state are already under water and National Highway 102 connecting Imphal to Moreh is cut off due to landslides.
The other two National Highways connecting Manipur to other parts of India – NH 2 connecting Manipur to Kohima and Guwahati is blocked at Kangpokpi and National Highway 37 connecting Manipur with Assam through Jiribam is seeing incidents of violence and is also shut in parts due to landslide.
NDRF, SDRF, Assam Rifles and Army personnel are out on the streets of Imphal East and Imphal West distributing food packets and drinking water bottles.
Persistent rainfall in Imphal has raised the water levels of various rivers, causing breaches in embankments and subsequent flooding in multiple areas. The breach of the Imphal River embankment near Singjamei has led to flooding in Singjamei, Thongju, and Langthabal Assembly Constituencies, with over 1,000 houses inundated.
Similarly, breaches in the Iril River embankment at Kshetrigao Mayai Leikai have caused flooding in Kshetrigao and Thambal Khong. The Kongba River embankment breach have caused flooding in Kongpal and surrounding areas.
Government machinery, along with NDRF, SDRF, LDA, Indian Army, and Assam Rifles, are conducting rescue operations in all affected areas. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inspected the flood-affected areas in Singjamei Assembly Constituency. Other ministers and MLAs are also present, assessing the situation and assisting the rescue teams and affected people.
The total number of affected people is still unconfirmed, with assessments going on. Efforts to close or block the breaches continue at the sites.
Speaking to Northeast Live, Water Resources Department Minister Awangbow Newmai stated that around 10 relief camps have been opened in both Imphal East and West Districts. Engineers from the department are working to block the river breaches. Essential commodities are being provided to the affected people.
Deputy Commissioner of Imphal West Th. Kiran Kumar told Northeast Live that assessments are being made to determine the total number of affected individuals. Temporary relief camps have been opened at 10 locations in Imphal West. Food, drinking water, and other essential commodities are being provided to those affected. Currently, 80% of Singjamei Assembly Constituency, 30% of Langthabal Assembly Constituency, and 30% of Thongju Assembly Constituency are affected by the floods.
MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand told Northeast Live that efforts are underway to block all breaches in Imphal affecting Singjamei Assembly Constituency. He expects the breaches to be blocked by today, and water to be pumped out, aiming to restore normalcy within the next 1-2 days.
The review meeting was attended by Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Tripura.
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