Schools shut for 3 days as heavy rains lash state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 28 2024: All schools in Manipur have been ordered to remain closed for three days from May 29 due to the bad weather conditions and widespread destruction caused to many households and installations following incessant rain in the aftermath of cyclone Remal.

As per an official notification issued Tuesday by the Directorate of Education (Schools), "In view of the widespread destruction and inconveniences caused to many households and installations across the state due to incessant rain and floods that followed and in anticipation of the same in the following days, all schools of the state will stay closed on May 29, 30 and 31' .

During this period, all activities at schools, including the admission process should not be taken up, it said.

Meanwhile, in the wake of rivers in the state swelling up due to incessant rainfall, chief minister N Biren Singh said that one gate of the Ithai Barrage was opened to regulate the rising water level of rivers caused by incessant heavy rainfall.

"We are closely monitoring the situation, and any further openings will be done in consultation with the Water Resources Department (WRD) and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), " Biren posted on X .

Ithai barrage serves a pivotal role in regulating the region's water dynamics and serves as the primary outlet for draining water out of the Manipur Valley.

Rivers in the state are intricately linked and fall into Loktak Lake from where it is drained out by the Manipur river where the Ithai Barrage is located.

"Our official teams are working tirelessly around the clock to manage this situation effectively and ensure the safety of the people," Biren added.

Incessant rain caused the Sekmai river to overflow in the Imphal West district and inundated several houses.

A few pucca structures were also washed away by the overflowing water, officials said.

Downpours also flooded several areas of Churachandpur district headquarters and Ukhrul, Bishnupur and Kakching districts as well.

Several vehicles along Imphal-Ukhrul road were left stranded after mudslides were reported at two places.

The Ukhrul district headquarters ground was also submerged.

In Tamenglong district, heavy rain and gusty wind uprooted several trees and damaged power lines.

Several relief camps in the Imphal Valley where displaced people from the ethnic violence were staying were also inundated due to heavy downpours.

Displaced people staying at Ideal Girls College at Akampat in Imphal East district and Sunusiphai Upper Primary School in Bishnupur district faced inconveniences after all the rooms occupied by them were flooded.

(With inputs from PTI) .

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