Heavy rains floods pose major threat for Manipur

Imphal, May 24: Manipur is on the brink of being exposed to a major flood if water levels of its main rivers do not recede quickly. State government officials confirmed that the situation is precarious despite all five floodgates of Ithai Barrage being opened as a precautiory measure.

 They also confirmed that a boy got electrocuted at Porompat near the Commando Police Barrack when he was caught in flood waters. A 50-feet-long stretch of the eastern side of the Imphal River bank has been breached. The breach has resulted in at least 100 houses, kitchen gardens and agricultural fields  being submerged.

 People are in a state of panic and many of them have started building dykes and embankments along vulnerable areas. Large areas of the valley have been already flooded by overflowing water or water which seeped through river banks.

 Dykes and embankments have been built along Imphal river banks at Khurai ndeibam Leikai, Khurai Heikrumakhong, Khurai Thoudam Leikai, Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai and Singjamei Leishangthem Leikai.

 Many schools, houses, community halls, temples, playgrounds, clubs and crematoriums located on and along the Imphal River have been flooded.

 A large section of people have criticised the state government and relevant departments for not initiating a single step to tackle the floods. (ANI)