Over 100 houses submerged by flood water in Manipur

Imphal, Sep 7 (UNI) Many areas in the Manipur valley were flooded today following incessant rainfall in the State for the last three days.

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

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

Agricultural land at Thoubal, East and West Imphal, Bishenpur districts were also submerged by flood water. Various embankments were destroyed by the 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 and vehicles were kept ready. The rivers were flowing from a height of 785 to 789m which was expected, high officials said. About 100 mm of rainfall had been also recorded during the last three days which caused the water level to increase, officials added.

Though the rainfall has slightly abated today, but if it still continues in the catchment areas, the water level may increase and create havoc.

At Thoubal district alone, about 30,000 hectare of agricultural land were affected and some houses were also washed away by the flood water.

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

UNI