Nambul overflows; Vast areas in Imphal West flooded
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 09 2010: The incessant rains that poured cats and dogs from midnight till dawn today has caused massive overflow in the reservoir of Singda dam and Nambul river resulting in widespread inundation in Imphal West district.

Due to the flood, major road communications in Imphal West district have been disrupted.

An important part of Khwairamband bazar, Paona bazar, Dharmasala areas in Thangal bazar, shops and business establishments at Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal, Uripok areas, etc.

have been shut down because of the flood.

Three to four feet deep water has inundated Cheirap court at Uripok.

The main cause of the Nambul river overflowing has been attributed to the excessive rise in the water level at Singda dam and flowing of voluminous water through the spillway of Singda dam forcefully into Luwanglei Maril, Iroisemba and Lamshang river then into Nambul river making it overflow.

From left top: Two villagers wade through thigh deep water at Lairenkabi carrying rice and fire-wood, which are extremely important in these times of blockade; scene of flooded Paona bazar; flooded Cheirap court building

The forceful stream of water flowed toward Tabukhong river around 6.30 am today flooding areas in Kadangban, Lairenkabi, Heibongpokpi, Lamshang and Taothong in Imphal West district.

Residents of the areas first got panicked believing that Singda dam has breached.

On hearing the report/rumour, our reporters rushed to Singda dam to see first hand whether the dam had really breached or not.

However, it was found that the dam was intact, but water from the reservoir of the dam was flowing forcefully and noisily in the spillway like seen never before .

The water that overflowed from Singda dam has completely flooded Lairenkabi areas and part of National Highway 53.Traffick on the highway has been cut off.

Paddy fields which had been cultivated recently have been covered with sheets of water.

Thousands of houses have been inundated.

Crops in vast areas have been sunk.

Four assembly segments in Imphal West district have been affected by the flood.

Sega road, Thouda Bhabok Leikai, Konjeng Hajari Leikai, southern part of Nganappithong, Thiyam Leirak, Wahengbam Leikai, Nagamapal areas, etc.

have been flooded.

Nambul river water is flowing over Wahengbam Leikai road.

Areas of Uripok upto the foot of the flyover have also been flooded causing serious disruption in traffick on Uripok-Kangchup road.

Police have blocked the road in order to avoid any mishap.

In Bishnupur district also, vast areas of paddy fields, fish farms and residential areas are reported to be flooded.

Same report has also been received from Thoubal district too.

The water level in Nambul river was flowing above the danger mark till late tonight.

The Imphal river and the Iril river were also flowing above the warning level.

However, source from IFCD informed that the water levels in both the rivers were below danger mark.

According to official sources, the origin of Imphal river, Kangpokpi areas recorded a rainfall of 54 mm last night.

Saikhul areas recorded rainfallof 66 mm last night.

Rain water in these areas would flow down into Iril river.

The origin of Thoubal river, Litan areas recorded 37 mm rainfall.