Imphal river overflows
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 17: The water level of all the rivers and their tributaries flowing through the valley areas have been rising steadily following heavy rainfall over the past few days casting the shadow of yet another flood deluge in the State.

To prevent flooding of low lying areas with excess water from the brimming Imphal river, strengthening of the embankment is being carried out at many places under the direct supervision of IFC Minister and his other Cabinet colleagues.

Houses, schools and the temple of Hanuman Takur in the Mahabali jungle located along the bank of Imphal river have been flooded with spilling water although the report said that the water level of Imphal river has come down by two inches even as other rivers like Nambul, Thoubal, Lilong and Irong have been on the rise steadily.

As Imphal river starts to overflow, local people come out to strengthen the embankment to stop the overflow

Rate of rainfall recorded since yesterday at various locations of the State are: Raj Bhavan 36.25 mm, Lamphel 38 mm, Kangpokpi-36 mm, Saikul-19 mm and Litan-31 mm.

Our reporters who have gone to inspect the situation today came across that row of shops, school and health centre constructed within the river bank of Imphal river in Khurai area have been flooded and local residents trying to prevent water overflowing to low lying areas by strengthening the embankment.

The road leading to Pangei and Lamlong bridge have also been sealed to prevent any untoward incident.

At Hapta Golapati area and Officers' Colony at Sanjenthong area, the Imphal river was seen flowing to the brim and people settling along the river bank shifting their belongings to safer places.

The temple of the Hanuman Takur at Mahabali jungle too had been inundated.

Springs were also seen coming out from the embankment of Imphal river at many places near Babupara VIP Quarters just behind the Chief Minister's bungalow.

With inundation of Yaiskul range and possible caving in of the embankment as water springs have emerged all along leading to water running on the road in front of Kalimai Mandir, local people were seen piling sand bags and erecting poles to prevent breaching.

A large portion of the river bank had been reportedly gave in to the force of the strong water current near Singjamei Ningthoujam Leikai.

Reports of breaching of the embankment of Imphal river on the western at Thingujam Munal Mapa and near Kiyamgei Khoirom Leikai have come in at the time of filling this report.

Talking to The Sangai Express in connection with the sudden rise in the water level of the rivers, IFC Minister N Biren said flood preventive measures have been put in place since 3 am today and strengthening of the embankment would continue round the clock until the situation is completely under control.

JCBs and trucks are being used to transport earth from Heingang Ching and Cultural complex to build dykes and strengthen the embankment of Imphal river, the Minister said, adding that IRB and MR personnel are being pressed into service for the purpose.

Young Ministers like K Ranjit Singh, who is in charge of Works, TN Haokip, who is in charge of PHE, L Jayentakumar, who is in charge of Education and PDA Chairman Dr Loken are directly supervising the works assigned to them at various locations under the instruction of the Chief Minister, Biren said while assuring situation at Sanjenthong area which was precarious is now under control, he assured.

Acknowledging the co-operation of the people in the ongoing flood control exercise, the IFC Minister said report received from Metrological Department forecasted that there would not be heavy rainfall in the State over the next few days.

According to sources from Flood Control Room of the IFC, the water level of Imphal river has come down from 788.1 metre to 788.05 metre.

However, the embankment of the river till Kiyamgei so vulnerable that it could give in at any time and spilled over excess water.

Lilong river, Iril river and Thoubal river are respectively flowing above the level of 782.7 m, 787.25 m and 779.35 m and continue to be rising steadily, but the Nambul river at the water level of 783.75 m is flowing at an constant rate.

It is said in view of the rising water level of the river, five sluices of Ithai Barrage has been lifted since yesterday.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh also reported went around to personal monitor the situation of the swelling rivers today.

Meanwhile, EE of Bridge Division, Public Works Department, in a statement made available to the press today informed that the bailey bridge over Imphal river at Lamlong would remain close to vehicular traffic in view of the river water level of the river.