IT News
Imphal, May 2:
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have led to the flooding of roads and alleys in various areas, severely impacting business activities and daily routines in Imphal. The combination of flooded roads and frequent electricity blackouts has forced many businesses reliant on electricity to close their doors temporarily. Additionally, water logging at the entrances of shops and restaurants has caused significant concern among business owners about the future of their establishments.
A shopkeeper in Kakwa voiced frustration, highlighting that such incidents have occurred repeatedly in the past. The primary reasons cited for water logging were the inadequate maintenance of drainage systems and perceived negligence by government authorities in addressing these issues. This sentiment was echoed by a resident who expressed that during heavy rainfall, they often find themselves unable to leave their homes due to the extensive water clogging.
Areas including Wangjing, Khongjom, Pukhao Shantipur, and Kairang have borne the brunt of the devastation, with reports of significant damage to property and belongings. The hail storms have particularly affected the Thoubal district, where numerous houses have been ravaged by the intensity of the storm.
In addition to the destruction caused by the hail storms, heavy rainfall has led to flooding in parts of Churachandpur’s Tuibung bazaar area.
In Waithou area of Thoubal district, a fierce storm accompanied by heavy rain unleashed havoc, causing widespread destruction in the early hours of today. The powerful storm tore the roofs off two houses and caused walls to collapse, leaving behind a trail of debris and structural damage.
Similar incidents of devastation were widely reported in various other districts as well.
In Tamenglong district, heavy rainfall and storms disrupted daily life, causing significant challenges for residents. The intense downpour led to road blockages along the Tamenglong shortcut road, specifically the route from Tamenglong to Noney district. Additionally, strong winds resulted in a widespread power outage in Tamenglong since midnight yesterday.
Authorities from the electric department reported that the 33kV HT line from Reangpang to Tamenglong attempted to recharge at 7:15 am but encountered a failure. The panel tripped due to EF/OC, indicating potential faults along the line likely caused by the previous night’s strong winds. However, due to continuous rainfall, the department faced difficulties in conducting a thorough inspection of the line to address the faults promptly.
Similar incidents were witnessed in Noney district. Normal life was badly affected due to the heavy downpour with hailstorms. Power supply lines of 33/11 KV Yurembam – Noney were damaged by the strong wind and reeling dark for the last three days. Telecom services were disrupted due to power failure. All the government offices including banks and schools were paralysed due to power failure. Roofing sheets and temporary structures were blown out. Horticulture crops were destroyed by the hailstorm. Due to the incessant rains, landslides and mudslides occurred in many locations along Imphal – Jiribam Road ( NH-37). Vehicular movement was disrupted today due to landslides near Awangkhul village and in the stretch between Awangkhul and Irang. Later in the evening, the mudslide debris was cleared off by the road construction company ( ABCI) using their excavators. According to the local residents, the landslides/mudslides will continue if the rains continue to pour down in the coming days.