Rescue operations underway in Manipur following floods caused by Cyclone Remal
May 31, 2024
Imphal (Manipur) [India], May 31 : In the wake of the devastating floods caused by Cyclone Remal, rescue operations are in full swing in Manipur.
NDRF, the Indian Army, and Assam Rifles, along with local authorities, have been distributing water bottles by boat to people trapped in buildings. They are also assisting people stranded in heavily flooded areas, transporting them in boats to safer locations.
The Principal Secretary of the Government of Manipur and the person in charge of the control room, Arun Kumar Sinha, told ANI, that the Manipur government has established a control room that operates 24x7 to help people.
"Manipur government has established a control room that operates 24x7. Representatives from various departments, including SDRF and police, are present to assist the public. Anyone facing issues can reach out to us for help," he told ANI.
The Manipur government has set up a 24/7 control room to address the flood crisis caused by Cyclone Remal to improve coordination in rescue and relief efforts and meet the needs of those affected swiftly.
He further added, "We have already evacuated approximately 3000 people and are in the process of evacuating more. The number will continue to rise as many areas are still waterlogged and many individuals require evacuation. The most pressing demand currently is for water, which the district administration is striving to provide."
Manipur Government Principal Secretary, Arun Kumar Sinha, said that rescue operations are ongoing, with various agencies working together to provide relief materials and evacuate people.
"Manipur police, the SDRF, the NDRF - we are all working together to provide relief materials like water, food, etc., and we are also trying to evacuate as many people as possible," the Principal Secretary of Manipur said.
Sinha added that things should return to normal in a day or two. However, after that, the administration has to address the health issues related to the flood.
"The water is receding now. I think in a day or two things should come back to normal but thereafter we have to take care of the health issues that will be related to this inundation. Our most important work after a few days will be to take care of the health of the people to stop the spread of any disease and also water-borne diseases," the Principal Secretary of Manipur said.
"We are trying our best and the government is trying to provide all the relief that is possible," the Principal Secretary of Manipur said.
Colonel Radhakrishnan, the Commanding Officer of the 33 Assam Rifles, told ANI, "Since the disaster struck Manipur, the Assam Rifles were requisitioned and also volunteered. Approximately 6,500 people have been rescued so far. We have also distributed water bottles and food to the people who are stuck in areas where the water level is high."
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in several parts of Manipur, including Imphal. This occurred after Cyclone Remal triggered continuous rainfall in the state.
Manipur Chief Minister said that the NDRF, Indian Army, and Assam Rifles, along with local authorities, are carrying out rescue operations and saving people from various flood-hit areas of the state.
As many as 40 personnel of the NDRF and 6 additional motorboats have also arrived in Imphal to aid the state government in the rescue operations, he added.