Thousands displaced by flood in Manipur

Imphal: Thousands of people were displaced and hundreds of houses inundated by flood in Manipur on Wednesday as all the rivers were flowing at danger levels.

Chief Minister N Biren Singh took stock of the flood situation and visited the flooded areas. People living near Nambul, Iril, Imphal and other rivers were displaced.

The three rivers flow in Imphal areas. The main roads of the city areas, including the flyovers, were flooded and vehicles were not able to ply on roads.

Power supply was snapped off in various areas and many relief camps were opened to shelter the affected people.

Irrigation Minister Letpao Haokip also visited the affected areas.

 Incessant rainfall in catchment areas resulted in sudden rise of major rivers flowing in the state.

The state government officials were also in touch with the NHPC to open the gates of Ithai barrage.

Three gates were opened to control the water level. Control rooms were opened and locals constructed temporary dams to protect the embankments.

Most of the river belts were damaged due to encroachment, throwing of garbage, planting of vegetables which resulted in lowering the depth of the rivers and exacerbated the situation. Some portions of the National Highway that links Nagaland and Manipur with Assam are also under flood waters. Trucks, buses and private cars have been told not to ply on the highway. (Agencies)