Heavy rains, flash floods hit Manipur; offices and schools closed

Heavy summer rains in Manipur have triggered flash floods in the capital - Imphal Valley and massive landslides in the West hills - Tamenglong and more rains are predicted till June 15, MeT officials said on Wednesday.

Normal life has been hit in several low-lying areas in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur districts which have been inundated by the incessant rains, they said.

The Imphal river at Minuthong in the state capital is flowing at the "highest flood level". The Irilbung and Lilong rivers are also flowing at the danger level, they said.

All government offices and educational institutions were closed today as the General Administration Department declared a holiday in view of the natural disaster situation.

The Directorate of Education (School) declared a two-day holiday - Wednesday and Thursday - for all government and private schools in the Imphal Valley, barring Jiribam district.

In Thoubal district, as many as hundred houses have been flooded by the overflowing Thoubal river, forcing residents to take shelter in relief camps.

In Tamenglong West district, massive landslides have been reported in several areas, damaging roads and leaving several vehicles and travellers stranded.

The MeT department has predicted more showers till June 15.