Manipur flood: Public holiday on Wednesday, warning in 3 districts amid rising water levels in major rivers

GUWAHATI: Manipur govt on Tuesday declared a one-day public holiday in the state on Wednesday and two-day holiday for educational institutions till Thursday. Govt also issued an advisory, urging citizens to 'stay alert' in view of the incessant rain over the last few days that have caused overflowing of the rivers, inundating several places in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kangpokpl, Senapati, Thoubai and Bishnupur districts.
The public holiday on Wednesday is for all govt offices, including public sector undertakings, corporations, autonomous bodies, societies under state govt, banks, financial institutions and LIC offices located in the state.
The govt order appealed to the general public to stay indoors, except in case of an emergency, so that the authorities can carry out the rescue and relief operations and evacuate stranded individuals smoothly.
Govt in its advisory said the water levels of all the major rivers have touched the warning levels. Due to persistent rainfall and consequent rise in river levels, numerous regions across the state have been inundated, causing significant damage to infrastructure.
District authorities of Imphal West, Imphal East and Bishnupur districts have issued a flood warning due to rising water levels in major rivers.
Considering the safety of students and teachers, director of education (S) L Nandakumar Singh issued an order on Tuesday. "In view of the rising river level and subsequent flooding of many areas and inconveniences caused to many households and installations across the state due to incessant rain and in anticipation of the flood like condition continuing for some more days to come and keeping in mind the safety of the students and teachers of the state, all schools of the state - govt, govt aided, private and central schools - will remain closed on July 3 and 4, 2024," the order read.
Imphal is facing a new bout of intense flooding as a result of continuous heavy rainfall since June 30. The persistent downpour has caused water levels to rise significantly, resulting in extensive flooding throughout the area.
Numerous locations, including the Khwairamband Keithel area of Thangal Bazar, are currently submerged under water. The majority of the primary rivers in the region, namely the Iril River, Nambul River, Imphal River and Thoubal River, have surpassed their danger levels. As a result, the banks of these rivers have been breached at multiple points along their course.
In the wake of Cyclone Remal, Imphal was struck by catastrophic flooding last month. The deluge claimed the lives of five individuals and forced the creation of numerous relief camps to provide shelter for those forced to flee their homes.
Citizens are advised to stay alert and take appropriate measures to safeguard their well-being.