IT News
Imphal, July 6:
Thousands of homes remain in ruins following the recent flash floods that ravaged the valley districts of Manipur, particularly affecting those living near riverbanks where waters overflowed and breached at several points. Despite the catastrophic damage, residents are beginning to feel a sense of relief as water levels in all major rivers in the Manipur valley are receding.
However, frustration mounts as water logging persists in various areas, including roads, due to the failure of the drainage system. The ineffective drainage has exacerbated the misery of the affected populace, slowing down the recovery process.
Authorities have taken steps to manage the situation by closing the gates of the Ithai Barrage, a crucial infrastructure with multiple large gates designed to control water flow. As the water level of the Manipur River dropped below the warning threshold, gates 1 and 5 of the barrage were closed, while gates 2 and 3 remain fully open, and gate 4 is partially closed.
The warning level at Ithai Barrage is set at 769.280 meters. As of 5 PM, the river’s level was recorded at 769.190 meters, indicating a reduction in immediate risk. Reports from the Manipur Water Resources Department’s main flood control room at 8 PM on Friday showed that the Imphal River’s water level at Minuthong in central Imphal was 785.750 meters, below the warning level of 785.900 meters. Similarly, the Thoubal River at Thoubal Bridge measured 775.700 meters, beneath the warning level of 778.915 meters.
Floods devastate Handicraft sector, artisans seek Government aid
Artisans in the state are reeling from substantial losses to handicrafts and handlooms due to recent floods. Sanabam Bocha, Chief Promoter of the Reed Handicrafts and Honey Cluster group of the Craft Development Promotors Organisation in MSME, Ningomthong Kitna Panung, has urged the government and relevant departments to provide immediate assistance.
Bocha highlighted the severe impact of the floods, stating, “The current floods have decimated the machineries of the cluster and its training-cum-production center. All artisan handcrafts have been lost to the flood.” He called on the government and officials to address the issue urgently and support the affected artisans.
The Ningomthong cluster, recognized in 2021 by the Vice President and the Ministry of State, MSME, for its significance as one of the most successful clusters in the northeast, employs around 1,500 people. “There is still no sign of the floodwaters receding. The state of the cluster in the recent floods has devastated us artisans,” Bocha lamented.
The flood situation escalated early in the week after days of heavy, continuous rainfall caused the Imphal, Iril, and Kongba Rivers to overflow and breach their embankments in Imphal East and Imphal West districts. This led to widespread devastation, displacing thousands of residents who are now seeking refuge in various relief camps set up across the region.
While the receding waters bring some hope, the road to recovery remains long and challenging. The persistent waterlogging and inadequate drainage infrastructure underscore the need for urgent improvements to prevent future catastrophes. Authorities and aid organizations are working tirelessly to provide relief and restore normalcy, but the impact of the floods will be felt long after the waters have fully receded.
