No flood respite in Imphal valley

IMPHAL — With continued widespread rainfall and thundershowers across Manipur since the past four days, water levels of major rivers have risen while some of the low lying areas in the valley areas have been inundated, exposing the city's inadequate drainage system.

The Imphal and Nambul rivers, flowing through Imphal city, have surpassed warning levels. Meanwhile, landslides in the hills are reportedly blocking highways.

Residents of Mayang Imphal Konchak in Imphal West district are experiencing repeated flooding for the second time this year, urging authorities to address their plight promptly.

Landslides on the Imphal-Jiribam highway at Awnagkhul and New Kaiphundai areas disrupted traffic until authorities cleared the road during the day.

Imphal East district, severely hit by the recent flood, continues to struggle with many displaced people taking shelter in relief camps after losing or sustaining damage to their homes.

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According to official reports, the recent flood, which lasted around a week after riverbank breaches and overflows from May 31, resulted in four deaths (including three children), affected approximately 1.65 lakh people, damaged over 35,000 houses, and impacted 76 infrastructures across 708 localities.

As per the IMD's latest bulletin, rainfall and thundershowers are predicted in both hill and valley districts until June 28. Valley districts like Imphal East, Imphal West, and others are expected to experience widespread to scattered showers, while hill districts like Tamenglong, Senapati, and others will likely see continuous rain.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Imphal East district has ordered the removal of unauthorised structures encroaching riverbanks and drainage systems within 7 days to mitigate flood risks during the monsoon season.

“Failure to comply will lead to eviction and demolition by the concerned line departments without further notice,” the DC said in an order issued on Monday.