Over 100 houses submerged by flood in Manipur

Imphal, Sep 7: The Manipur valley areas were flooded today following incessant rainfall for the last three days.

Officials said the worst affected areas were at Thoubal district where over 100 houses were fully submerged by floodwater. So far one man has died, officials said.

The Imphal, Nambul, Iril rivers were all flowing at the danger level officials said and Irrigation and Flood Control Minister N Biren last midnight toured the flood affected areas at Thoubal and Imphal areas.

Agricultural land at Thoubal, Imphal East, West, Bishenpur districts were also submerged by the flood water. Various embankments were destroyed by the flood water which resulted in the submergence of the flood water.

The NH 39 connecting Imphal and Moreh the border town at Chandel district was also cut off due to the flood. Some other important roads at Thoubal district were also cut off by flood.

Large numbers of people were seen since last midnight taking out their belongings in small boats.

Flood control officials said bamboo poles, empty cement bags, vehicles were kept ready. The rivers were flowing from 785 to 789 m which was considered, high officials said. About 100 mm of rainfall had been recorded during the last three days which caused the water level to increase, officials added.

The rainfall has slightly stopped today and if the rainfall continues in the catchment areas the water level may increase and create havoc.

At Thoubal district alone about 30,000 hectares of agricultural land could have been affected and some houses were also blown away by the flood water.

Irrigation and Flood control Minister N Biren said he toured the flood affected areas till late midnight yesterday and five engineers were suspended as they were not found last midnight at the control room when the situation was so grim.

UNI