Imphal River breached, rescues ops underway, aerial survey conducted
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 31 2025: Following heavy downpour over the past few days, many parts of the Imphal River have overflowed or breached, leaving nearby areas inundated and houses submerged.

Security forces and voluntary organisations have launched rescue operations, and an aerial survey was conducted to assess the affected areas.

The water levels of many major rivers in the state rose sharply in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday due to the incessant rainfall.

In Senapati district and Imphal area, the Imphal River flowed above the high flood level mark.

In some places, the river overflowed and breached its banks, leading to flooding.

Imphal River breached, rescues ops underway, aerial survey conducted

Security forces including Manipur Police, SDRF, NDRF, Manipur Fire Service, Assam Rifles and other voluntary organisations moved into the affected locations and worked to rescue people and transfer them to safer locations.

In Imphal East district, the Imphal River overflowed at Achanbingei Makha Leikai.

However, locals acted in a timely manner and repaired the banks, resulting in minimal flooding.

Around 5 am Saturday, the river began showing signs of overflowing in Heingang Mayai Leikai.

Locals worked hard to repair the banks, but the river began to overflow around 7 am and breached the banks shortly after.

The Imphal River banks were also breached at Heingang Mayai Leikai, inundating the area from Heingang Thokchom Leirak to Heingang Ghingakham Leirak.

The water current was extremely strong, sweeping away several houses while submerging many others.

Many locals took shelter in taller buildings or with relatives, while others took refuge at Panthoibi Lampak in Heingang Mayai Leikai.

The river further breached at Ahallup Makha Leikai, Khurai Heikrumakhong, Khurai Konsam Leikai, Khurai Nandeibam Leikai, Khurai Sajor Leikai, and from Khurai Chairel Thong to Khurai Chaithabi, leaving the areas flooded.

In Khurai Heikrumakhong, three people including two minors were swept away by the water current but were safely rescued by first responders.

Areas near the Eastern Gate of Kangla and Mongba Hanba were also flooded after the river banks were breached.

New Checkon, Hatta, Khurai Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Khunnou, Nongmeibung, Wangkhei Angom Leikai to Wangkhei Paring, Konung Mamang, Andro Parking, Palace Compound, Mahabali Kabui Khul and Govindaji Temple were inundated.

Imphal River breached, rescues ops underway, aerial survey conducted

As the Studio Complex of AIR Imphal in Palace Compound was also flooded, the station stopped broadcasting programmes.

However, AIR informed that it would continue to broadcast Kangla Channel and the 7:30 news from its high-power trans mitter in Mayang Imphal.

Meanwhile, areas including Lamlong Tellipati, Nilakuthi, Khonghampat Mantri Leikai, Awang Leikai, Mayai Leikai, Khunnou and Khabam Lai Haoraopham, located next to the Imphal River, are showing early signs of breaching.

The banks near Bashikhong Maimom Leikai are also at risk of breaking.

The river is also overflowing in Singjamei Chirom Leikai, inundating the area.

On the other hand, a team comprising senior officers from the home department, police, and relief & disaster management conducted an aerial inspection of flood-affected areas in Imphal East district on Saturday afternoon.

The officials included commissioner-cum-secretary N Ashok Kumar Singh, ADGP (LO) L Kailun and IGP Zone-II K Kabib.

According to a press release by DIPR, the inspection was carried out by helicopter, enabling the team to have a comprehensive view of the most impacted zones.

This helped the team assess the extent of damage and the urgent needs of the affected population.

It is part of the multipronged strategy initiated by the state government, which is working round-the-clock to control and mitigate the effects of the ongoing flood.

Authorities are coordinating with all relevant departments and agencies to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.

Essential services such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare and emergency shelter are being prioritised.

As the state continues to receive heavy rainfall, necessary instructions have been passed to all DCs to remain alert, provide relief measures, and take steps to clear landslides.

Meanwhile, according to a report from the flood control cell of the water resources department, the Imphal River was flowing-above the high flood level warning mark at Minuthong area around 9 am Saturday.

Both Nambul and Nambol Rivers were also flowing above the flood level.

However, a report obtained later in the evening at 6 pm stated that the Imphal River was flowing 0.25 metres below the high flood level at Minuthong.

Nambul River remained above flood level at 782.35 metres, and Nambol River at 774.1 metres.

Ithai Barrage has opened four of its five gates, and water is now flowing below the warning level at 768.13 metres.

The emergency control room (0385-2451550) may be contacted for flood and rain-related issues.

Authorities appealed to residents to stay vigilant and follow safety guidelines issued by the authorities informing that updates on the situation will be provided regularly.

Manipur Fire Service Control Room also issued a press note stating that a five-member team led by its director rescued 197 people from flood-affected areas in Koirengei Mamang Leikai, New Checkon, Maiba Khul, Sanjenthong Officers' Colony, and Khurai Heikrumakhong.

AMUCO also visited Khurai Heikrumakhong and extended relief materials to flood-affected families.

In a press release, AMUCO secretary (publicity) Heisnam Phoren Mangang informed that the organisation would continue to extend all possible help, while urging people to remain vigilant and assist those in need.

He also appealed to the directorate of relief & disaster management to take all necessary actions in this regard.