Imphal: Several locations in the Imphal East district of Manipur were flooded on Friday after the Imphal River breached its banks following incessant rainfall over the past three days.
District administrations across Manipur have issued public advisories and shared helpline numbers for residents in need. District Disaster Management teams have also been placed on high alert.
The Imphal River has overflowed in at least four locations — Singjamei, Heingang, Bashikhong and New Checkon. “The river’s water level is currently high above flood level, while the Nambul and Iril rivers remain below danger levels,” said an official report. “Our rescue teams, with assistance from local residents, are taking necessary measures to control the river overflow,” the officials said.
Shri Shri Govindajee Temple Complex, City Convention Centre and the All India Radio campus were flooded. Local volunteers have launched rescue operations in the affected zones. Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh. Shivakanta urged media persons to help discourage unnecessary movement. “Please request the public not to venture out unless absolutely necessary, as traffic congestion is hampering the movement of emergency and rescue teams in flood-affected areas,” he said.
The Director of Information and Public Relations also issued a video appeal: “A humble appeal to the general public to stay at home and avoid visiting flood-hit sites, breaches, or vulnerable points. Such unnecessary movement creates traffic congestion, hampers emergency services, and further endangers public safety.” As a precautionary measure, several main roads leading into Imphal East have been blocked by officials and local volunteers.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla visited various flood-affected areas of Imphal city. He went around different locations on the banks of the Imphal River, assessing its overall condition. The key locations that were visited included Kangla Nongpok Thong, Lairikyengbam Leikai, and Singjamei Bridge. The Governor was accompanied by the Chief Secretary, Commissioner (Home), Superintendent of Police (Imphal East), and other senior officials.
During the visit, the Governor instructed the officials to monitor the river situation closely and to implement pre-emptive measures. Further, directions have been given to deputy commissioners to arrange evacuation and temporary relief measures for affected people. SDRF and NDRF units have also been alerted.
