Four bridges washed away by overflowing river waters
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 31 2015 : Due to incessant rainfall, water level of the Chakpi River has rapidly increased and consequently Chakpikarong Bridge and four other suspension bridges have been washed away by the strong current of the river on Friday.

This has created serious problems of connectivity in the affected area.

Chakpikarong Bridge over the Chakpi River which is located in the heart of Chakpi market was shaken by the river from both sides of the bridge which is now on the verge of collapse.

The people of Chakpikarong and its surrounding areas remained cut off from the rest of the State as it is the only bridge which connects the village with other places.

Four bridges washed away by overflowing river waters

Residents are now facing a lot of problem due to the alarming situation.

Similarly, four suspension/hanging bridges at Lamphou Pasna, Anal Khullen, United College Lambung and Monsang Pantha had collapsed and were swept away by strong river water current.

A large track of agricultural lands at Lamphou Pasna, Lambung, Riverlane, Hnahringkhu, Chandel Christian in Chandel district head quarters area as well in Akaphe, Peace Island, Chakpikarong Khupi, Hringphe and Chakpi market of Chakpikarong sub division have been totally devastated by the flash floods.

Many residents have fled their homes and moved to safer places in Chakpikarong while in Chandel district Headquarters, many have taken shelter at the relief camp arranged in Maha Union Government Higher Secondary School campus.

Deputy Commissioner of Chandel, Robert Singh on Thursday visited the affected area along with civil society organizations like Anal Tribe Union (ANTA) and Anal Students Union (ALT).

Village chiefs/authorities of the affected villages have been informed to submit the list of affected residents to ALT through phone number 9862880030 or Anal Naga Tangpi's phone number 8974134376 for temporary arrangements.

Considering the situation, ALT and ANTA have jointly appealed all educational institutions in the District Headquarters area to declare holiday.

Meanwhile, the district administration has informed the opening of a flood control room with telephone number 03872232221.All relief materials for distribution have been handed over to SDOs on Friday.

Rapid Response Team for Chandel District comprising of doctors with all essential medical aids have also been kept ready.

It was also be informed that the district administration is closely monitoring the flood situation.

Ministers visit flood affected area .

Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar and Education Minister M Okendro along with other officials visited the flood hit areas to make an on the spot assessment.

The team led by the ministers inspected the present condition of Komla Thong (Bridge) whose one side was found banking.

The team also visited the Chandrakhong Bridge which had collapsed.

The visit covered the flooded Sangaiyumpham area.

flood affected area

Overflowed water from Wangjing river has inundated several paris of paddy fields and now about one kilometre-long stretch of the Indo-Myanmar road has gone under water near Wangjing Keithel wreaking havoc to the villagers and movement of traffic.

Talking to media persons, Dr Ratankumar said two bridges in Heirok and one each in Pallel and Chakpikarong had collapsed as water level of all rivers flowing in Thoubal area had increased due to incessant rain in the past two days.

He said four bridges at different areas had been washed away by river waters.

The minister assured that new bridges would be built in the areas once the water level recedes.

Dr Ratankumar said all arrangements have been taken up to open relief camps for the affected villagers.

The ministers' team also included Additional Chief Secretary O Nabakeshore and Additional Chief Engineer Temba.