The 7 Images Show How Clean Drinking Water Can Be The Next Crisis in Manipur

The 7 Images Show How Clean Drinking Water Can Be The Next Crisis in Manipur

Sharelines

Water scarcity a possible concern after #ManipurEarthquake, our team reports. Read more http://bit.ly/1ZRebp7

Oxfam is assessing possible shelter, hygiene and water needs in #ManipurEarthquake-hit areas. Read more http://bit.ly/1ZRebp7

It’s been three days since an earthquake that measured 6.7 on the Richter scale struck Manipur. While the government has been conducting search and rescue missions, Oxfam and local authorities have been on ground trying to identify immediate needs and concerns. 

The earthquake on January 4 caused severe damage to buildings in Manipur. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam

Winter shelter, hygiene, and access to safe water are expected to be the emerging concerns for those affected by the earthquake, which took place on January 4. In the epicentre, a village called Kabui Khullen 1, as many as 30 people are taking shelter in the local community centre after the quake, and safe water is likely to become scarce. While the supply in the village has always been turbid, and inhabitants have traditionally boiled water before consumption, they are now unsure about using it as after the earthquake, sediments remain suspended in it.

The water source in Kabui Khullen. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam  

Homes and water supply pipes in Longmai 3 village have been damaged by the earthquake. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam

In Longmai 3, a village in the Tamenglong district, water pipes have been damaged. People in the Longmai villages have been using water they had stored before the earthquake till the supply is restored, as local water sources such as ponds have dried up. Some villagers are also trying to repair the pipes.

A man tries to repair water supply pipes in Longmai 3. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam

In Longmai 1 village, the primary water source, a freshwater stream, has turned turbid after the quake. 

Water supply from a freshwater stream near Longmai 1 has turned turbid after the earthquake. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam

People in Longmai 3 village are using stored water after the earthquake disrupted supply. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam

Oxfam is on ground in Manipur to provide aid as required. Oxfam specialises in providing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) support during any humanitarian crisis.

A dried up pond in Longmai 1 village. Photo credit: Nishant Buragohain/Oxfam