IMPHAL, June 15 - The Manipur Government has released an immediate relief assistance of Rs 3.2 crore for the areas reeling under flash flood in the State.
So far, six persons, including three children, have died in the flood, according to the State Directorate of Relief and Disaster Management.
Meanwhile, Water Resources Minister Letpao Haokip said that the State Government has been doing its best to combat the flood and provide relief to the affected people. The Government has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the victims.
Though there is no official report of crop damage so far, Letpao said around 12,000 houses in 150 villages have been damaged and 1.5 lakh people have been affected.
The six valley districts of Manipur, which witnessed five waves of flood in 2017, are reeling under severe flood following incessant rains since Monday. The State Government has declared holiday in all government offices and educational institutions, except 11 vital departments, from June 13 to 15.
Even though floodwaters have receded in some areas, a fresh breach on the embankment by the Imphal river at Chajing-Karam has created havoc. Security forces, in association with the local residents, have taken up repair works. The SDRF is also carrying out relief and rescue operations.
Letpao said that the increase in rainfall this year compared to last year is a major reason for the current flood. More than 15,000 people are taking shelter in over 100 relief camps opened by locals with the support of government agencies. Rice, pulses, edible oil and other materials are being provided to the inmates, while the Public Health Engineering department is supplying potable water.
Meanwhile, work for clearing the landslide-hit areas and the road diversion along the Imphal-Jiribam Highway has started to enable the movement of goods-laden trucks.
PTI adds: More than 1.5 lakh people remained marooned in two flood-hit districts of Manipur as the Disaster Management department on Friday said that the situation in the Imphal Valley has worsened.
The Relief and Disaster Management said the intensity of flooding has been increasing in Thoubal and Imphal West districts.
A report said the State Disaster Response Force and State police, with the assistance from the Indian Army and the Assam Rifles, were actively undertaking relief and rescue operations in Irong, Maibam, Uchiwa and Kiyamgei areas.
Officials said the water level continued to rise in Nambol and Thoubal rivers in Bishnupur and Thoubal districts. Chief Minister N Biren Singh was monitoring the situation, an official said.
Newmai News adds: Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla has announced donation of her one day�s salary to the Governor�s relief fund for flood victims. Speaking at a press conference at the Raj Bhavan here on Friday, the Governor said that all the staff of the Raj Bhavan would also donate one day�s salary to the relief fund. She appealed to the people of the State who can afford whatever they can, to donate and contribute items to help the flood-affected people.
Dr Heptulla said that people in the flood-hit areas have been suffering a lot and there is possibility of outbreak of diseases. She stressed the need to take appropriate measures to cope with the situation.
The Governor said that she had a discussion with the Chief Minister on the precautionary measures that can be taken up by the Government for the flood-affected people. The Central Government is also aware of the situation, Dr Heptulla said, adding that she had also spoken to the DoNER Minister in this regard.
The Governor also called for a proper drainage system. She added that the Raj Bhavan would not celebrate Id-ul-Fitr tomorrow in view of the grim flood situation. She announced that the celebration would take place at the Raj Bhavan on June 19, and that people would be invited to it.
