Flash flood inundates houses, dam collapses
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 24 2016: Incessant rain and thunderstorm caused flashfloods in various parts of Khumbong, Kha Jiri and Kamong areas under Kon-thoujam Assembly Consti- tuency of Imphal West district.

Several localities of Keishampat have also been flooded.

Meanwhile one under-construction RCC wall along with construction materials have been washed away after the temporary ring band of a dam built across Sekmai river at Ithei Maru, Kakching collapsed owing to the torrential rain that continues to lash the State.

The RCC wall, measuring 500 foot, was built by the Kakching Ithei Committee under IFCD and MI Department.

Construction materials including 260 cement bags, 15 truck loads of sand and a substantial quantity of iron rods along with the wall were washed away as the river's water volume suddenly increased.

Flash flood inundates houses, dam collapses

MLA Surchandra has reportedly inspected the site today.

More than 100 residential houses in Khumbong Makha Turel Mamang Leikai and 120 houses in Khumbong Mayai and Awang Leikai were inundated by flash flood and water overflowing from Maklang River.

The flash flood has created havoc to the people of the area affecting normal life.

Poultry farms, vegetable farms and other properties were extensively damaged.

Meanwhile, locals blamed that the construction of Khumbong Chaban Thabi Minor Irrigation Dam caused the flash flood in the area.

Locals stated that the dam constructed over the Maklang River is malfunctioning as the shutter mechanism has not been operational.

To avoid more inundation, locals were seen dismantling the canal of the dam to allow water flow and decrease the water level.

Large stretches of farmland in and around Khumbong were flooded from the overflowing Maklang River.

MLA of Konthoujam Assembly Constituency K Sarat visited the area and took stock of the situation.

K Sarat told The Sangai Express that a relief camp will be set up in the area at the earliest with local clubs and provide necessary help to affected households.

Further he appealed to the authorities concerned to extend necessary help.

Meanwhile, general secretary of Imphal West Students' Club Atom Samarendra noted that the dam is in a dilapidated state as the shutter mechanism has failed to operate.

He added that the dam should be renovated or reconstructed by the authorities concerned.

Drawing the attention of the authorities concerned, he stated that the retaining wall of the river should be constructed at the earliest.

He mentioned that panicked villagers tried to contact the flood control department earlier today, but unfortunately there was no response.

Such 'irresponsible' act of the authorities is disheartening, he added.

Further he said that Khumbong village is under the Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, a rural development programme broadly focusing upon the development in the villages which includes social development, cultural development and spread motivation among the people on social mobilization of the village community.

But till today no activities has been taken up by the authorities concerned and it is very unfortunate, he added.