Various districts across Manipur continue to reel under flood following the continuous rainfall since Monday triggered by cyclone Remal, prompting the state government to initiate active rescue and relief operations.
Due to overflow of Imphal and Nambul rivers, the main market of Khwairamband Keithel and the Imphal City have been flooded. Other prominent areas of Imphal, such as Rajbhawan, Hotel Classic Grande, DM College campus, Johnstone School, Congress Bhawan and the Manipur Press Club, also experienced severe flooding.
The cyclone’s impact has been particularly severe in Imphal, where Raj Medicity hospital faced significant operational challenges due to flooding. The hospital’s ground floor was inundated following heavy rainfall, forcing the evacuation of patients to other facilities including RIMS, JNIMS, and several other hospitals.
In view of severe flooding caused by breaches in embankments along river banks, the government on Thursday declared a two-day public holiday for all state offices until May 31. Citizens have been urged to stay indoors unless faced with an emergency, according to a government directive.
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Further, Manipur has taken proactive steps to enhance coordination in rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts. A 24x7 Control Room has been established at the Banquet Hall, 1st Bn Manipur Rifles, under the leadership of Arun Kumar Sinha, Principal Secretary of the Manipur government. This Control Room aims to streamline communication and swiftly address the urgent requirements of those affected by the calamity.
In parallel, the Directorate of Information and Public Relations in Manipur issued press releases regarding temporary alternate contact numbers for crucial helplines. Due to technical issues with the existing toll-free helpline number “1098” for Children, the public is urged to use the alternate mobile numbers “7005120197” or “8132953592” to access uninterrupted services from the Child Helpline.
Similarly, the toll-free helpline number “181” for Women is also temporarily down due to technical problems. As a temporary measure, individuals can contact the Women Helpline on the alternate mobile number “7005776144” to avail of essential services without interruption.
The Government of Manipur has declared May 30 and May 31 as public holidays for all government offices, including Public Sector Undertakings, Corporations, and Autonomous Bodies/Societies under its jurisdiction. This directive also applies to all banks, financial institutions, and LIC offices in the state.
The decision, sanctioned by the Governor, is in response to the incessant rainfall brought by Cyclone Remal, which has resulted in widespread flooding in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kangpokpi, Senapati, and Bishnupur districts.
ALSO READ: Overflow, improper drainage main reason for flood in Imphal: Water Resource minister
Citizens stranded in floodwaters can contact helpline numbers provided by their respective Deputy Commissioners. Additionally, centralised emergency helplines (09233522822, 09485280461, 0385-2440028, 06909525816, 0385-2912006) have been activated, involving civil, police, and security forces.
Exam postponed: Planning and Development Authority, Manipur on Thursday informed all the concerned that the written examination for recruitment of Assistant Engineer (Civil), Section officer (Electrical), Draughtsman Grade-1 and Mandol on contract basis scheduled to be held on Sunday has been postponed until further order due to heavy rainfall and flood in the state.
