Manipur: Cyclone Remal affects two lakh people, causes widespread damage

Imphal: Cyclone Remal has wreaked havoc across Manipur, impacting around 2 lakh people in 350 villages and localities, according to official sources on Friday.

The cyclone, which struck from Tuesday to Thursday, resulted in the loss of four lives, including a few livestock, and caused significant property damage.

The storm damaged 24,265 houses and displaced approximately 20,000 people, predominantly women and children, who were evacuated to safer locations amid severe flooding and landslides.

The government has established 56 relief camps to accommodate the displaced, and 434 hectares of crop areas have been reported as affected.

Manipur Water Resource Minister Awangbow Newmai addressed the media in Imphal on Thursday night, attributing the current flooding to river overflows from unexpected areas and inadequate drainage in the Waishel Maril region of the Imphal municipal areas.

Responding to inquiries, Minister Newmai confirmed that the state government has managed to control the flash floods and is focusing on the rehabilitation of affected individuals.

The cyclone's impact has been widespread, affecting both hill and valley districts, including Imphal East, Imphal West, Kangpokpi, Bishnupur, Noney, Churachandpur, Senapati, and Kakching.

Efforts are ongoing to provide aid and restore normalcy to the affected areas, as the state government continues to work on flood control and rehabilitation measures.