Heavy rainfall within short period
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 15 2018:
The State, particularly the valley districts, has been witnessing severe flood because the State received heavy rainfall even though it was just for a few days, according to the Directorate of Environment, Climate Change Cell.
Climate Change Cell head Dr T Brajakumar said that Chandel and Tengnoupal recorded rainfall rate of 186.6 mm from 7 am to 8 am of June 12.There was heavy downpour at Senapati, Ukhrul and Tamenglong too within a short period and this was one major factor which triggered flood in the valley districts, Dr Brajakumar said.
If the rainfall continues at such volumes, there is strong possibility of landslides in the hill areas, he cautioned.
In the past 62 years, Manipur recorded rainfall rate of 250 mm to 260 mm during the month of June.
But this year, Manipur recorded rainfall rate of 600 mm till June 14 .
On the other hand, beds of reservoirs such as lakes, ponds and rivers which absorb water gushing down from hills have been becoming shallower thereby accentuating and exacerbating the problem of flood, he continued.
Dr Brajakumar also highlighted the need for installing early flood warning systems at upper catchment areas.
There is also a growing need for formulation of a mountain policy for settlement, urbanisation and land use practices apart from initiating necessary measures so that water gushing down from hills can be absorbed by soils to the maximum, Dr Brajakumar said.
He further underscored the need to create water reservoirs at foothills.
Stream shed management can be initiated and some streams may be declared as sanctuaries, he added.