Imphal, August 23: Even though there has been some respite from the torrential rain during the last few days, a number of villages in Lilong continue to lie under water and even today, dwelling houses continue to crumble under the impact of the flood.

Lilong area came under water after three points along the Imphal river embankments caved in.

A survey of Lilong area conducted by this reporter today found that even though the water level of Imphal river has fallen appreciably, the water which had submerged large part of the villages are yet to drain off.

These villages lie in low lying areas sandwiched by the Waithou Ching on the south, and National Highway-39 on the east.

The Imphal river runs across the North West direction of these villages.

Even today, mud houses are falling apart like nine pins thanks to the presence of the water which refuse to go away.

Many other houses are also on the verge of falling apart any time.

Outbreak of an epidemic cannot be ruled out as many of the people who are taking shelter at the relief camps are suffering from cold, cough and fever.

A large number of people who have not taken shelter at the relief camps but are looking after their dwelling places are facing acute shortage of clean drinking water.

More often than not they have to manage with the dirty, unhygienic water at their disposal.

For those staying at the relief camps, answering the call of nature has become a major problem as there are no toilet facilities.

None of the inmates said that food and other necessities are available adequately.

People taking refuge at the relief camp at Laishram Khong said that till today they have not received any drinking water from the Government side.

Volunteers of the Adventure Academy are providing drinking water to the inmates.

The water is brought from the other side of the river on rafts.

Meanwhile members of Macha Leima, a voluntary organization, distributed 103 bags of rice through local clubs and student organizations to the flood affected people of Wabagai, Hiyanglam, Sekmaijin, Khoidum and Uchiwa today.

The aid was distributed with co-operation from the Thoubal DC.

Members of the Sekmaijin Eastern Star Club, Sekmaijin Mayai Leikai Naharol Club, Khoidum Village Development Association, Sekmaijin Social Club, Joint Working Committee, Sekmaijin Khunou and Rising Star Club Uchiwa extended help and co-operation in distributing the rice to the flood affected people.

The flood situation at these places is still grim with fresh flooding compounding the matter.

Around 200 fish farms were destroyed by the flood jeopardising the livelihood of a large number of fish farmers.

As aid has not been forthcoming from the authority, the people of Uchiwa are facing acute shortage of food and medicine.