Impact of Cyclone Remal continues to fester
No respite yet for many areas in Imphal
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2024: The devastating flood situation caused by Cyclone Remal is seeing little signs of improvement in some regions of Imphal valley till date.

Along the western bank of Imphal River under Heingang Assembly Constituency, Nagaram, Laipham Khunou and Lairikyengbam Leikai among others are still dealing with flood caused by multiple breaches of the riverbank as well as overflowing of the river.

Though some portions of the IVRs at Laipham Khunou and Lairikyengbam Leikai are still flooded, two-wheelers can pass through these areas comfortably.

However, some homes and yards are still inundated in low lying regions.

The worst affected localities are Nagaram Block A, B and C, Tangkhul Avenue, Fairyland and the surrounding regions.

These areas are still either knee-deep in water or worse.

Impact of Cyclone Remal continues to fester

Gaipuinam and Namdulong village located near ISBT are also underwater.

Meanwhile, some areas in Dewlahland are not only flooded but the floodwaters are accompanied with swift currents.

It may be recalled that incessant rain caused by Cyclone Remal on May 27 led to a devastating 50 metre breach along the Imphal River bank near Lairikyengbam Leikai and Salanthong on the intervening night of May 28 and 29 and flooded the aforementioned areas.

Highlighting the intensity of the deluge, a resident said that floodwaters reached the first floor of some multi-storeyed houses in Nagaram.

Additionally, floodwaters rushing in from the ruptured riverbank at Kontha Khabam and Keirang also reached this area.

Beyond the Raj Bhavan, Khwairamband Keithel, Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, DMU campus, PWD and some engineering department complexes, LIC, Manipur Fire Services and a few private hospitals were also submerged in the deluge.

However, even as flood water has receded in these areas, the stench of putrefied water and wild vegetation may pose a risk to public health.

Meanwhile, scenes of people washing piles of clothes or keeping them in disarray along with other household items submerged in the flood can be seen at Lairikyengbam Leikai and Salanthong.

A relief camp volunteer has expressed worry that even though the breach in the riverbank near Lairikyengbam Leikai and Salanthong has been sealed, another downpour could cause a rise in the river water level and bring unpredictable consequences.

Stating that they are taking care of 450 households, the volunteer added that they initially received some help from District Administration, Imphal East but that has also stopped.

Meanwhile, CMO, Imphal East has provided face masks, hand gloves, phenyl (5L) and also conducted a free health camp.

The PHE Department has also helped by providing lime and bleaching powder, he said.

Now preparations are underway to distribute relief items sponsored by the local MLA to the affected families, said the relief camp volunteer.

Addressing their most important need, he spoke about the shortage of potable water for the affected people.

Stating that sending a water tanker every alternate day cannot meet the water requirements of the people, he added that most are forced to buy water.