In the wake of heavy rainfall and the consequent flooding in Manipur due to cyclone Remal, locals were seen seizing the opportunity to fish in the waist-deep water that engulfed their surroundings. The deluge not only disrupted lives but also turned parts of the affected areas into makeshift fishing spots, with residents casting their nets into the flooded waters to secure fish for sustenance or business.Devastation in Imphal ValleyImphal, the state capital, bore the brunt of the disaster, with heavy rains submerging marketplaces, residential areas, significant landmarks like Ima Keithel (Asias largest womens market), sports complexes like Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, and even government establishments and medical facilities.Rain-Hit Manipur, Locals Take To Fishing In Waist-Deep Water #Manipur #Floods #CycloneRemal pic.twitter.com/uPtUb1Hvz4— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) May 31, 2024Extent of FloodingThe overflowing rivers Nambul and Imphal further exacerbated the situation, flooding extensive regions in both Imphal East and Imphal West districts, which constitute the heart of the state capital. Moreover, several hill districts also experienced substantial flooding.Disrupted Services and ClosuresThe floodwaters wreaked havoc on essential services, causing severe disruptions in power supply and internet connectivity. Educational institutions, businesses, banks, and government offices had to remain closed for the past two days, with the state government declaring public holidays on May 30 and 31 to cope with the crisis.Relief and Rescue OperationsMultiple agencies, including the police, Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force, collaborated in rescuing stranded individuals. These efforts resulted in the successful evacuation of over 4,000 people, including a significant number of women and children, in Manipur alone. The relief operations also involved the distribution of essential supplies like food packets and drinking water to those affected.
