Jiribam flooded, Imphal alerted
40 houses, 2 bridges washed away, 8 people missing
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Daniel Kamei / Romeo Moirangthem

Tamenglong/Jiribam, June 27 2012: As many as eight people are reported missing while many flood displaced families have taken shelter at relief camps in Jiribam even as two bridges connecting Tousem Sub-Division of Tamenglong district washed away in heavy downpour experiencing over the last few days.The incessant rain in the past few days has flooded Kalinagar, Babupara, Dibong, Sanakhong, Islamabad, Chamapanagar, Ningthembam, Patchao, Lalpani, Lakhipur, Kamranga, Khoichoithup and Hilghat in Jiribam sub-division of Imphal East district.

More than 40 houses have also been washed away at Khoichoithup in the strong current of overflowing Jiri River.

One Louriyam Sunil s/o L Surendrakumar was drowned in Jiri River while saving his uncle Jiten from drowning in the river.

Meanwhile, ADC Jiribam Y Iboyaima said that survey is being conducted to identify the areas affected by flood and its severity.

As soon as the survey is completed, the government will begin supplying relief materials and other helps.

Gaijailiu Gangmei of Kalinagar, Jiribam said that almost half of Jiribam sub-division has submerged under flood water and three/four relief camps have been opened at different places.

All paddy fields and houses are under water since last night and the number of people who lost their lives in the flood may increase as the water level is still rising, she observed.

Ramgaijang and Namdailong in Assam state bordering Jiribam have also been reportedly submerged in the flood water.

On the other hand, two bridges connecting Tousem sub-division with Tamenglong District HQs have been reportedly washed away yesterday.

One suspension bridge over Makru River between Namtiram and Tousem HQ and another which was recently inaugurated over Makru River between Saramba and Tousem HQs, which is the only life line of Tousem areas, too had been washed away by flood.

Ariang Hangda, former Convener of Zeliangrong Students' Union, Tousem Area (ZSUTA) said that people of Tousem areas will be facing untold suffering and difficulties as two bridges connecting to the district HQs have now been washed away leaving the people in the remote area marooned.

"Many of the school kids, who were on their way to return back to Tamenglong hqs after their summer vacation, have to come back home as they could not cross the ever swelling river", Ariang said.

Ariang has also appealed to all concerned authority for early construction of the two bridges that have been washed away at the earliest in the interest of the people living in the remote Tousem sub- division.

With heavy monsoon rains hitting the state incessantly for the last couple of days, all the major rivers running through Imphal area have overflowed causing flood in certain areas.

Overflowing of Imphal River near the Northern Kangla gate and Kekrupat has created panic among the people in the mearby Zomi Villa.

Continuous smashing on the retaining wall made of bricks by powerful current of Imphal River which is flowing above danger level, has also led to collapsed of the wall over a portion of 30 feet.

The overflowing water, however, was controlled by local people and officials of IFCD by using every possible means.

The heavy rain that lashed the state last night has caused the water level of Imphal River to rise to danger level and it has created panic among the people of Khurai, Hatta Golapati, Ningom Thongom Thongjao Makha and Moirangkhom, who experienced one of the worst flood last year from overflowing and breaching of embankment of Imphal river.

However, the water level of Iril, Kongba and Thoubal Rivers are still under normal level.

The water level of Nambul River also experienced a steep rise leading to overflowing wwater flooding some low lying areas in Uripok and Nagamapal.

Minister of IFCD Ngamthang Haokip has inspected the flooded areas and other river embankments which are in precarious condition.

The inspection covered places like VIP colony, Sanjenthong; Hatta Golapati; KR lane, Kekrupat; Damdailong; Khurai; Keishampat Nambul River area and Sagolband Moirang Leirak.

The Minister was accompanied by Chief Engineer of IFCD Th Indramani during the inspection.

During the inspection, Chief Engineer informed that all necessary precautions to prevent occurrence of flood have been arranged and a flood control room opened.

Out of five, three sluice gates of Ithai Barrage have also been lifted to drain away overflowing water.

The danger level of Imphal River is said to be 788.000 metres as recorded by IFCD at Sanjenthong.

The water level of the river crossed the danger mark this morning, but it went down to 787.775 in the evening.

The water level of Lilong River was also seen rising almost to the danger level at 781.919 metres.

Iril River and Thoubal River are flowing around the danger mark.

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