Manipur: Villages in Jiribam, Pherzawl districts submerged

Our Correspondent

Imphal, June 20 (EMN): The flash flood situation in Manipur is still alarming as many villages in Jiribam and Pherzawl districts have been submerged due to incessant rain in the last few days and subsequent rise of the water level of Barak River.

Jiribam district has been witnessing flash floods for the second time in the last two months, however, there is no report of human casualty.

Meanwhile, the district administrations have also started to take up precautionary measures. Deputy Commissioner of Pherzawl district, in a notice issued on Monday, directed the concerned parties “to be alert and take up precautionary measures in close consultation with all stakeholders.”

On Sunday, the Imphal-Jiribam sector of National Highway 37, which is considered as the second supply line of the state, was cut off after a portion of highway caved in near Kaiphundai village, 195 km west of Imphal. As a result, the movement of vehicles along the route has been suspended.

There were also reports of mudslides and landslides at various locations of the highway since Saturday.

Even the Khoupum-Rengpang route in Noney district, which was used for light vehicles after the bridge on Irang River along NH 37, was washed away on May 12 this year, caved in. Mudslides were also reported along Khongsang-Tamenglong road, while landslide at Tamenglong town damaged a house at New Salem.

Large areas of paddy fields in Khoupum area under Noney district were also submerged, while landslides in Senapati district were also reported.

Tamenglong district, which borders Nagaland’s Peren, on Sunday, recorded the highest rainfall among all the 16 districts for the second day, according to the directorate of Environment and Climate Change weather data. The district recorded 56.2 mm of rainfall after receiving 83.8 mm on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Imphal, Iril, Nambul and Nambol rivers in Imphal valley were also flowing close to flood level, an official of the Water Resources department said.

Last month, the Manipur-Mizoram route had also been cut off after the newly built diversion road was washed away by rain.