Manipur faces the brunt of severe flood; 3 dead, thousands affected by heavy rains

Imphal: At least three people have lost their lives, and thousands have been affected by severe floods triggered by incessant heavy rains across eight districts of Manipur caused by cyclone Remal, officials reported on May 30. As many as 18 embankments were breached by the sudden flood. CM Singh informed that 17 breaches were repaired and flooding in surrounding areas was brought under control.

A 34-year-old man was killed and three others injured in a landslide in Senapati district, authorities said. An octogenarian woman drowned in the overflowing Senapati River. In Imphal, an elderly man died of electrocution amid heavy rainfall and flood.

Major rivers, including Imphal, Nambul, and Kongba, are flowing above danger levels. Floodwaters have entered hundreds of government and private buildings, houses, and important installations in all five valley districts. Thousands have taken shelter in safer areas. The Imphal River’s banks were breached near Keirang, Khabam, and Lairiyengbam Leikai in the Imphal East district due to continuous rainfall since Wednesday night.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force, para-military personnel, Manipur police, and local volunteers are actively engaged in rescue efforts. An NDRF team arrived in Imphal via a special Indian Air Force flight to assist in the relief operations. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh visited flood-affected areas and appreciated the efforts of NDRF, Indian Army, and Assam Rifles in supporting local authorities.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Singh said: “I appreciate the teams of the NDRF, Indian Army, and Assam Rifles for supporting the local authorities in carrying out the rescue operations and saving precious lives at various flooded areas in the state. As many as 40 personnel of the NDRF and six additional motorboats have also arrived in Imphal. I urge all to extend cooperation to the rescue teams as they perform their duties to ensure everyone’s safety.” The vital Irang Bailey bridge on the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH 37) collapsed in Taobam village, Noney district, disrupting vehicular movement.

Military Assistance
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles launched relief and rescue operations at multiple locations in response to requests from the civil administration. Efforts include controlling overflow and seepage at Imphal River embankments and addressing issues such as sliding, depression, and erosion.

Phumdi blockages upstream of Sekmaijing Bridge RBB on the Imphal River have been cleared to improve water flow.The Nambul River witnessed overflows at several points, with ongoing repair works to manage damages. In the Bishnupur district, breaches along the Thangtek and Naorem Maipaksana Mapa on the Khabi River, and S Samungou Mapa Kha-Jiri Mamang along the Mayai Loukhong River have been managed with temporary measures. The flood situation in Manipur remains critical, with rescue and relief efforts in full swing to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and implement necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the floods.