Government Declares Two-Day Public Holiday Amid Rising Water Levels
Imphal, May 31, 2024 – Floods have severely impacted Manipur, affecting 188,143 people and damaging at least 24,265 houses due to incessant rainfall following Cyclone Remal, according to state officials.
Minister for Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management, Awangbou Newmai, reported that 18,103 people have been evacuated and 56 relief camps have been established. In a Facebook post, he detailed a meeting held with the Additional Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner Imphal West & East, and the Directorate of Relief and Disaster Management to strategize immediate relief, search, and rescue operations.
The minister also noted that approximately 401 hectares of crops have been affected. Relief materials have been distributed across several districts including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bisnupur, Noney, Churachandpur, Senapati, and Kakching.
Tragically, the floods have resulted in three deaths, nine injuries, and one missing person as of May 29. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh announced that breaches in river embankments occurred at 18 spots, with 17 already sealed. He confirmed that flooding in the surrounding areas has been successfully controlled.
The northeastern state has experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms triggered by the cyclone over the past few days. Due to severe flooding from breaches in river embankments, the government declared a two-day public holiday for all state offices until May 31, urging citizens to stay indoors unless in emergencies.
Deep concern over the severe flash floods has been expressed widely. Rahul Gandhi, in a tweet, conveyed his condolences to those affected and urged Congress leaders and workers to support rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
This natural disaster underscores the ongoing need for effective disaster management and prompt relief efforts to mitigate the impact on the affected populations.
