Imphal-Jiribam highway cut-off

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 12 (EMN): Imphal-Jiribam sector of National Highway 37, the second life line of Manipur, has been cut off after a bailey bridge over Irang River collapsed after torrential rain hit the foundation of the bridge.

In view of the development, the normal movement of goods laden trucks, passenger vehicles and other private vehicles along the route has been suspended, sources said.

The Deputy Commissioner of Noney district also prohibited plying of all vehicles through National Highway 37 across the Khongsang to Noney stretch with immediate effect.

Only light vehicles may use the alternative route via Khoupum to Rengpang, while heavy vehicles are advised to refrain from doing so until the Irang bridge is repaired and declared safe for use, the DC said in an order.

Meanwhile, normal life in the North-eastern border state has been badly affected due to incessant rain since the last few days forcing an increase in the water-level of the major rivers in the state.

The water level of Imphal river, which passes through the state capital, and Nambol river are flowing close to warning levels.

In Imphal East district, many standing crops including watermelon, pumpkin, bottle gourd were submerged by overflowing water from Khamelok rivers in and around Lamboikhul and Uyumpok Mamang Leikai farms.

In Tamenglong, animal cages, storehouses and some household structures were carried away by flood water at Sonram lower village during the day. However, there is no report of any human casualties.

Even though the state received around 34.59mm of rainfall on average till 6 pm on Thursday, Tamenglong district received around 100.2 mm of rainfall, while Senapati district received 96.6mm. Kangpokpi district, which is the birthplace of the Imphal river, also received a rainfall of 43.8mm.