Several paddy fields submerged in Senapati district
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Senapati/Ukhrul, August 05 2026: Paddy fields in several villages of Senapati district have been inundated by overflowing rivers following incessant rainfall since last night, disrupting connectivity in the affected areas.

Moreover, the bailey bridge over the Nambalok River at Chatric village in Kamjong district was washed away by strong water currents today.

Incessant rainfall over the past two days has led to a significant rise in water levels in many rivers across Kamjong district.

The bailey bridge over the Nambalok River served as the only lifeline for Chatric village and 12 other villages along the Indo-Myanmar border under Sahamphung block of Kamjong district.

Several paddy fields submerged in Senapati district

The bridge was severely damaged in a powerful explosion on July 21, 2026, allegedly carried out by suspected Kuki armed militants.

On the other hand, the Ngaorei/Laini River, which originates from Ukhrul Town and flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border, has crossed the danger mark following the continuous rainfall.

The river passes through several villages in Ukhrul and Senapati districts, including Laii village in Senapati, before entering Phek district of Nagaland and eventually joining the Chindwin River in Myanmar.

Due to the sudden flash flood, around 80,000-90,000 tonnes of newly planted paddy fields at Laii village have been completely submerged and damaged.

The farming community is facing severe distress as the year's harvest is now under threat.

The only bridge connecting Laii village with Kharasom village in Ukhrul district has also suffered damage to its foundation due to the strong river current, cutting off an important link between the villages.

The Laii village authority expressed concern over the absence of a bridge for nearly 50 km between Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii village.

As a result, farmers and villagers are compelled to risk their lives while crossing the river during cultivation and while attending social events such as marriages and festivals, it said.

The village authority urged the Government of Manipur to immediately inspect and assess the crop damage and provide compensation to affected farmers.

It also appealed for urgent repair of the damaged bridge over the Laini River connecting Kharasom village.

The village authority further sought construction of a hanging bridge between Chingjaroi village in Ukhrul district, Lower Phaibung and Laii village on priority.

Meanwhile, incessant rainfall has triggered a massive landslide, washing away nearly 100 metres of road connecting Ngari village with Lakhamai, completely cutting off the area from neighbouring villages and the district headquarters.

The continuous downpour has also inundated dozens of fish ponds and hundreds of terrace paddy fields, affecting more than 100 farmers and causing significant losses to livelihoods.

The situation is particularly critical in Ngari Khullen, where the lack of proper all-weather roads and bridge connectivity has left residents increasingly isolated.

With transportation disrupted, access to essential services, markets, healthcare facilities and emergency assistance has become extremely difficult in the area.

Swollen by relentless monsoon rains, the Rangazak Kong River too has overflowed, inundating farmlands and raising concerns over possible severe flooding and landslides at Chingjaroi in Ukhrul district.

Originating from Phungcham and flowing into Myanmar's Chindwin River, the river has emerged as a growing threat to lives and livelihoods in the area.

Residents have urged the authorities to provide immediate relief to affected families, compensation for crop losses and implement long-term measures such as riverbank protection, watershed conservation, afforestation, early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure to minimise the impact of future disasters.

They stressed that timely intervention is crucial to safeguard communities and protect their agricultural lifeline.