Major markets shut down
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 30 2024: The fear of shortage of grocery and other daily household items in Manipur is looming large as major markets in Imphal have shut due to heavy inundation.

While almost all parts of Imphal were flooded due to continuous heavy downpour in the last couple of days due to cyclone Remal, Khwairamband Keithel, Paona Keithel and Thangal Keithel have been inundated since midnight yesterday.

As water rushed in from all sides in the three major markets, retail outlets, wholesale shops and go-downs storing grocery items have suffered huge losses.

As the shops and godowns have shut, and remained inaccessible due to inundation, shopkeepers and traders who came to buy grocery items returned empty handed today.

Many chemist shops have been inundated and they too have reported losses due to inundation.

Major markets shut down

As the water level rose, people were seen moving grocery items and household articles to safer locations in all the markets.

Places which remained relatively safe earlier but inundated yesterday midnight include areas covering Raj Bhavan, Khwairamband Keithel, Paona Keithel, Thangal Keithel etc.

Several Government offices and institutions in- cluding the State Museum, Manipur Fire Service and Khuman Lampak Sports Complex have also been inundated.

Offices of the PWD, Water Resources Department, Secretariat and LIC at Khoyathong, office of the Electricity Department at Keishamthong, DM College campus, Uripok Court Complex have been submerged.

Many houses in low lying areas in Imphal have been inundated since the last 2-3 days.

Areas of Keishampat and along Tiddim road are heavily inundated and this has caused traffic congestions.

While almost all the areas in the heart of Imphal are heavily inundated with water and flood-hit people are being evacuated from several localities and hospitals, many people were seen with nets catching fishes on the roads and at Kanglapat causing traffic congestion.

While police dispersed the crowds, people were seen returning once police were gone.

Imphal River banks burst in several locations at Khabam Lamkhai, Salan-thong Lairikyengbam Leikai and Kairang under Heingang Assembly Constituency causing inundation in several pockets covering Imphal Hotel, Classic Gran-de Chingmeirong, 2nd Manipur Rifles, Raj Medi-city and Classic Hotel North AOC.

Inundation at Raj Medi-city has caused serious inconveniences to patients and people who need emergency medical attention and treatment.

Areas under Thangmeiband, Uripok, Nagamapal and Lamphel have also been flooded and this has also inconvenienced people visiting RIMS Hospital.

While the number of patients visiting RIMS has declined, the flood situation on all the routes leading to the hospital has affected staff attendance.

Attendance was also low at several Government offices in Imphal yesterday and today.

Indian Red Cross Society, Imphal West District Branch members and volunteers along with members of Manipur Mountaineering and Trekking Association conducted rescue operations and evacuated patients and staff from Chamber of Commerce Hospital, Thangal Bazar.

The volunteers also distributed edible items to flood affected victims.