Persistent rain : Flooded roads throw life out of gear

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 28 : Persistent rainfall over the last 2/3 days coupled with a few hours of heavy rainfall today have inundated many areas of Imphal including National Highways, State Highways, IVRs and homes.
This is the second time Imphal is facing flood after the non-stop rain in the last week of May and first week of June this year.
According to a daily weather report issued by the Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Imphal West received the highest amount of rainfall with 77.8mm.
The daily report assessed weather conditions from 7 pm of July 27 to 6 pm of July 28.
Kakching followed closely with 76.2mm of rain and Tamenglong came in the third spot with 76mm.
Remaining district-wise distribution of rainfall as per the report are: Chura-chandpur-12.8mm, Imphal East-54.9mm, Kangpokpi-38.2mm, Noney-0.8mm, Senapati-6.5mm, Bishnu-pur-60.4mm, Tengnou- pal-59.6mm and Ukhrul- 18.4mm.
Separately, a report (2 pm of July 27 to 2 pm of July 28) from the Agrometeorological Field Unit (AMFU) of ICAR, Lamphelpat said that the Lamphel area received 126.5mm of rain.
Around dusk, the amount of rainfall received was over 80mm while Relative Humidity (RH) in the morning was 95% and 98% in the evening. The hottest recorded temperature today was 27.4 degree Celsius today.
A major factor of this recurring problem of waterlogging is the narrowing of natural waterways (Khongbans) due to encroachment, turning them into scaled-down man-made "drains" and the subsequent clogging of such artificial waterways.
Due to the persistent rains including heavy rains last night, a major portion of the Imphal-Moreh Road (NH-102) from Singjamei Mayengbam Leikai to Kakwa was flooded and homes along this route were submerged.
The western side of the road was submerged in 2/3 feet of water upto the road median causing inconvenience to commuters.
Moreover, many vehicles including two-wheelers and vans were serviced at workshops as floodwaters entered the silencers and they failed to start.
Speaking to The Sangai Express, one Kumar Singh, whose home was inundated, shared that this road stretch gets flooded frequently even when there is light rain.
As a majority of the drains are blocked, rainwater frequently accumulates and overflows, flooding the houses in the area. It takes at least some hours for the floodwater to clear.
Kumar has urged the relevant Government authority to unclog the drains on either side of the Imphal-Moreh Road from Singjamei to Kakwa to allow rainwater to drain easily and prevent waterlogging.
Considering the current situation, he maintained that it will take 1 or 2 days for the floodwater to drain completely.
Other regions inundated during today's rains include Old Secretariat area, Yumnam Leikai, Singjamei Emo Filling Station etc. As most of the drains were clogged, the water took a long time to recede.
The same situation was visible at Paona Keithel and Thangal Keithel Dharamshala area where the poor condition of drains filled with garbage prevented the water from draining quickly.
The foot of Uripok flyover bridge also remained submerged for 2/3 hours.
Some parts of the Tiddim Road from Keishampat Junction to Malom were also inundated.
Other affected regions under Imphal West district include Sagolband AC, Keishamthong AC, Patsoi AC, Thangmeiband AC and Naoriya Pakhanglakpa AC.
Many houses in low lying areas have also been submerged. It will reportedly take 1 or 2 days for the water to recede. Heavy rains over last night which continued through the day intermittently  went on to submerge low lying areas in Wangkhei, Khurai, Yaiskul, Kshetrigao, Konung Mamang, New Checkon, Old Checkon, Hatta, Soibam Leikai and Thongju AC for a few hours today.
Commuters faced significant trouble trying to drive through the flooded roads today.
Raj Bhavan, Imphal was also inundated with water.