Imphal, Manipur: The relentless onslaught of monsoon rains has plunged Manipur into a severe crisis, with widespread flooding and devastating landslides affecting nearly 20,000 people and damaging over 3,300 houses across the state. Imphal East district bears the brunt of the calamity, as swollen rivers breached their embankments, submerging vast swathes of low-lying areas.
In the past 48 hours alone, the situation has escalated dramatically, directly impacting 3,802 individuals, damaging 883 homes, and tragically, claiming the lives of 64 animals. Localities such as Khurai, Heingang, and Checkon have been particularly devastated after the Imphal River overflowed, turning roads into canals and inundating residential areas, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Even crucial institutions have not been spared.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) saw its premises inundated, necessitating the urgent relocation of patients from the ground-floor orthopaedic and surgical wards. A concerted effort involving SDRF, NDRF, local volunteers, and clubs worked tirelessly round the clock to assist hospital authorities in transferring patients to safer locations within the facility.
Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by Chief Secretary PK Singh, undertook a comprehensive visit to the submerged zones, including Kangla Nongpok Thong, Lairikyengbam Leikai, and Singjamei Bridge. They took stock of the extensive damage and issued urgent directives for prompt relief measures. A statement from Raj Bhavan confirmed, “Instructions have been issued to monitor river levels and carry out timely evacuations.”
As of Sunday evening, the situation in Khurai and Heingang constituencies remained critical, though a glimmer of hope emerged as floodwaters began to recede in Checkon and Wangkhei. However, the Iril River in Imphal East continues to flow above the danger mark, prompting urgent embankment fortification efforts by both locals and authorities to avert further catastrophe.
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles have mounted swift and efficient rescue operations, successfully evacuating nearly 800 individuals, including women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled persons. Quick Reaction Teams were deployed in severely inundated zones like Porompat, Wangkhei, and Khurai Heikrumakhong, working tirelessly to bring people to safety.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has formally appealed to Governor Bhalla to declare the flood crisis a “state calamity,” a crucial step that would unlock vital institutional response mechanisms and resources. Adding to the political discourse, Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh, during his visit to flood-hit areas in Heingang, criticised the Water Resources Department, attributing the severity of the crisis to their alleged failure in completing vital retaining walls and ensuring adequate pre-monsoon preparedness.
In response to the escalating crisis, summer vacations for schools across Imphal East, Imphal West, and Senapati sub-division have been extended until further notice, prioritising the safety of students. Authorities remain on high alert, with forecasts predicting continued rainfall in the coming days. Relief and rehabilitation efforts are being coordinated on a war footing to provide aid to displaced families and mitigate further damage across the affected regions.
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