Flash flood hits Manipur-Myanmar border, bridge washed away

A flash flood triggered by torrential rains on Monday night along Manipur-Myanmar border washed away a bridge and destroyed several houses, the police said on Tuesday.

However, no casualty was reported.

"The water level of the Khujairok river along the international border receded within a few hours," a police officer told IANS.

He said there was heavy downpour lasting over an hour on Monday night and the level of the Khujairok river breached the danger mark in no time.

Tribal people from nearby villages said they were virtually caught napping.

"The flash flood razed six houses at Chavangphai village near the international border. But, as we managed to run uphill, there was no casualty. Pigs and other domesticated animals are also safe," a villager said

One of the engineers posted in Moreh area along the border said, "There was a wooden bridge, connecting Chavangphai village with Moreh Ward No.5. It got washed away. Now it will take some time to construct another bridge."

Receding waters came as a huge relief to the villagers, as they could wade through the river water since Tuesday morning.

Government officials and elected representatives of people rushed to Moreh on Tuesday to assess the damages.

A government official said that a report has been sent to the government and financial assistance could be extended to the victims to reconstruct their damaged houses.

--IANS

il/nir/vt