Continuous rainfall induced by Cyclone Remal has unleashed floods across various districts in Manipur, prompting the state government to launch active rescue and relief efforts, an official disclosed.
In response to severe flooding triggered by breaches in embankments along riverbanks, the government on Thursday announced a two-day public holiday for all state offices until May 31.
Citizens have been urged to remain indoors unless faced with an emergency, as per a government directive.
"Both May 30 and May 31 have been declared public holidays for all state government offices, corporations, autonomous bodies, and societies under the Manipur government," the order highlighted.
However, departments responsible for rescue, relief, and essential services, including home affairs, police, relief and disaster management, power, health and family welfare, district administration, and water resources, will continue to operate, it further specified.
Concurrently, ongoing rescue operations persist in heavily affected areas of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
Local fishermen from Thanga in Bishnupur district have rallied alongside the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) to evacuate flood-stricken individuals using traditional canoes, with similar endeavors underway in various locales such as Laipham Khunou and Khuman Lampak.
Extensive flooding has ravaged agricultural zones in Nambol, Bishnupur district, due to breaches in riverbanks.
Expressing gratitude, Chief Minister N Biren Singh remarked, "Fishermen of Thanga are partnering with the LDA team in rescuing stranded individuals. I commend their altruistic gesture during this crisis."
In Nambol, Bishnupur district, where two tributaries of the Nambul river breached banks on Wednesday, vast swathes of agricultural land have been submerged, officials reported.
To bolster rescue efforts, forty National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel, along with six additional motorboats, arrived at Imphal airport on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, commercial activities at Khwairamband, Paona, and Thangal markets remained suspended for the second consecutive day due to extensive inundation caused by the overflowing Nambul river and embankment breaches of the Imphal river.
"Numerous items, including seasonal vegetables stored at the market warehouse, have incurred damage," lamented a woman vendor.
In Tamenglong district, heavy downpours triggered a landslide, impacting the Imphal-Silchar National Highway-37 route. Additionally, the Nambul river breached its banks at Samurou in Imphal West district, exacerbating flooding in the Wangoi constituency.
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