River bank breach floods Singjamei, Kakwa
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 03 2024:
Singjamei and its surrounding areas up to the Lilong bridge in Imphal West district have been flooded after embankment on Imphal river at Singjamei Oinam Thingel portion under Singjamei police station breached around Tuesday midnight.
Imphal river embankment adjacent to the water supply intake pump house at Singjamei Oinam Thingel breached by around 30 feet by strong water current at about 00.30 am Wednesday.
Locals tried to mend initial crack developed in the area but were unsuccessful due to strong current of rising water level.
Several houses at the breached site were almost entirely inundated while one house hit directly by the strong current is badly damaged.
By dawn, the flood water reached Kakwa Naorem Leikai and surrounding areas and reached the northern side of Lilong bridge by afternoon.
The flood water is threatening to inundate Langthabal Kunja and Lilong Chajing areas.
Many people of Singjamei and Kakwa areas are now taking shelter on the un-flooded roadsides, river embankment and on bridges while rescue of elderly and sick people from flooded houses is continuing.
The rescue operation is being jointly carried out by Indian Red Cross Society, SDRF, NDRF, LDA, Manipur police, Manipur fire service and Assam Rifles personnel.
Motor boats, makeshift rafts and boats are being used to rescue people from flooded houses.
The flood water completely inundated Imphal-Moreh road from Singjamei parking to Kakwa thereby hindering movement of vehicles on the highway.
On the other hand, volunteers of Indian Red Cross Society are helping flood affected people, besides rescuing an ailing young woman using raft and stretcher to take her for treatment at RIMS on society's ambulance.
Meanwhile, major portions of the breached site at Singjamei Oinam Thingel have been restored with engagement of skilled labourers hired by water resources department.
From early morning, the labourers brought by the department along with Assam Rifles personnel used bamboo, bamboo sheets and other materials to plug the breach.
By 8pm Tuesday, major portions of the breached site had been restored and water flow from river had been significantly reduced.
Accoridngly, water level near the breached site reduced by around two feet and it is likely that restoration work could be completed before Tuesday midnight.