Manipur rivers flow above danger mark after heavy rain

Imphal, Oct 22 (IANS) Most major rivers in Manipur were flowing above the danger level on Sunday following two days of heavy rain. Locals rued the lack of action by officials to redress the situation.

And with an overcast sky, there were apprehensions of more rain in Manipur and neighbouring states.

People were asked not to cross the Singjamei bridge since Sunday morning as the Imphal river was in spate near Singjamei town.

Low-lying areas in Imphal city and other localities were inundated by rainwater, causing traffic jams. Traffic was diverted at Yumnam Leikai and Loklaobung after the Singjamei bridge was closed for public use.

In the absence of officials and flood-control material in the affected areas, locals contributed money themselves to help the affected.

Local businessman Oknam Shanti said: "The state government has always neglected us. Precious little has been done to strengthen the river banks."

The All Manipur Farmers Association demanded central financial assistance for the state to tackle problems arising from the heavy rainfall.

It said the Manipur government was yet to come out with a statement on the extent of damage the floods had caused in the north-eastern state.

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