IMPHAL : The rivers that caused widespread destruction and left thousands homeless in two valley districts of Manipur have seen significant receding water levels.

These rivers, which had breached embankments at nine locations, have now drained into the Chinwin River of Myanmar through the Manipur River, aided by the regulation of water levels in Loktak Lake via the Ithai barrage.

As floodwaters receded, authorities began closing the gates of Ithai Barrage, which features several large gates designed to control water flow.

With the Manipur River’s water level dropping below the warning threshold, gates 1 and 5 of the barrage have been closed, gates 2 and 3 remain fully open, and gate 4 has been partially closed. The warning level at Ithai Barrage is 769.280 meters, while the river’s level at 5 PM was recorded at 769.190 meters.

According to a report from the Manipur Water Resources Department’s main flood control room at 8 PM on Friday, the Imphal River’s water level at Minuthong, central Imphal, was 785.750 meters, below the warning level of 785.900 meters.

The Iril River at Irilbung Bridge measured 785.700 meters, under its warning level of 786.700 meters. The Thoubal River at Thoubal Bridge was also below its warning level, measuring 775.700 meters against a warning level of 778.915 meters.

The flood situation had escalated since Monday, following days of heavy and continuous rainfall, causing the Imphal, Iril, and Kongba Rivers to overflow and breach their embankments in Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur.

This led to widespread devastation, displacing thousands who are now seeking refuge in various relief camps.