Our Correspondent
Imphal, June 15 (EMN): Six persons including three young boys and a lady lost their lives while around 1.5 lakh population have been affected by the devastating flood in Manipur, according to official sources.
Manipur Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip speaking to reporters said that the state government has released an immediate relief assistance of INR 3.2 crore for the areas reeling under flash flood in the state.
The minister further said that the government has also announced an ex-gratia of INR 5 lakh each to the victims’ families. He said the government has been doing its best with all the available resources of various departments to combat flood and to provide relief to the affected persons.
Six valley districts of Manipur which witnessed five times flood in 2017, have been reeling under severe flood after incessant rain since Monday forcing the state government to declare holiday in all the government offices and educational institutions excepting 11 concerned departments and units from June 13-15.
The minister said that the increase in the rainfall density this year comparing to the previous year is a major reason for the flood. The average rainfall rate recorded in the state according to Directorate of Environment from January to June,2018 (till June 13 is 580.5mm)is comparatively higher than the previous records during the same period in 2016 (246.79 mm) and 2017(498.41mm).On the other hand the rainfall rate recorded at ICAR Imphal Centre Lamphelpat from January to June,2018 (till June 13) is 648.5 mm while the previous records are 910.7 mm in 2016)and 1097.7 mm in 2017.
Minister Letpao said that relief camps have been set up in Imphal West (38 camps), Imphal East (34 camps) and Bishnupur (4 camps).
To address the issue effectively and to receive complaints, the Water Resources Department has opened a 24X7 helpline called Central Flood Control Room and its phone number is 03852451550.
On the issue of power cut in some affected areas, he said that the cut is being done intentionally inorder to avoid unwanted incidents in low-lying areas. He added that the Veterinary Department has also been providing fodder and veterinary medicines to the owners of affected areas.
