Dimapur struggles as flooding soaks urban areas

Dimapur, Aug. 1 (EMN): On the same month of July the previous year, rains had severely affected Nagaland’s commercial centre Dimapur, and displacing more than 100 families in the process. This year too, the July rains are inflicting damage on the town that is as bad as the previous year’s. On July 31 and Aug. 1 rains have flooded Dimapur’s urban areas.

As per report provided by the Dimapur district administration to Eastern Mirror on Wed. Aug. 1 assessment, the affected areas are- Diphupar A,B,L and K, Chekiye village, Midland colony, Purana Bazar and Kirha village. Netaji colony, Half Nagarjan, Niu colony Burma Camp, Dhobinalla, SM colony, Sachu and Bank colony, Walford and Burma Camp.

Monsoon rain flood has become an annual affair in Dimapur and trouble for the residents especially for those in low lying areas.

As the problems continue to recur, Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Sushil Kumar Patel IAS told Eastern Mirror that flood was expected after last night’s downpour mainly because of the poor drainage system which was manmade disaster.

Given the lack of drainage and dumping of garbage haphazardly, and with just one ‘nullah’ that connects Dhansiri river there was no free flow of water and those residing in low lying areas are affected the most, pointed out Patel.

At around 7 am on Wednesday the district administration assessed the flood areas and around 1300 families have been affected by the flood. By evening the water receded in most of the areas and an alternative arrangement was made for those affected families while essential commodities were provided, informed the DC.

The district administration along with the Dimapur Municipal Council and Dimapur police personnel assisted in clearing the clogged drains. However the DC said if the downpour continues than the low lying areas are at threat but the district administration are monitoring on the weather forecast to avoid such situation.

A merry time for rickshaw pullers
Rickshaw pullers stationed at Dhobinalla had an eventful day on Wednesday as they were seen ferrying passengers at Dhobinalla locality which was submerged in water.

The rickshaw pullers-who were having a gala time ferrying the stranded people at Dhobinalla, in their own admission were charging Rs. 20 per person. The passengers did not mind paying the exorbitant amount just for a few yard distances.