Response teams activated, advisories issued as flood worsens
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 31 2025: Imphal valley is facing a worsening flood situation following days of incessant rainfall triggered by a depression over northern Bangladesh and adjoining Meghalaya, leading to the Imphal River breaching its banks and overflowing in several locations.

Authorities have advised immediate evacuation of residents from affected and flood-prone areas within Imphal city.

According to an advisory issued by the Water Resources department, at 2 pm on Saturday, Kangpokpi, which forms the catchment area of Imphal River, received 123 mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period between Friday 6 am and Saturday 6 am.

In total, the district recorded over 175 mm in the last 72 hours, far exceeding the 135 mm threshold that has historically triggered floods in Imphal valley.

The department warned that surface runoff from Kangpokpi will now be reaching the valley, and further overflows are expected along the Imphal River.

As of 10 am on Saturday, the river was already flowing above the High Flood Level, with overflows and breaches reported at several points.

The advisory noted that Kangpokpi had also recorded 131 mm rainfall in a single day following Cyclone Remal in May 2024, which led to widespread floods and devastation in the valley.

Reinforcing the gravity of the situation, the Directorate of Relief & Disaster Management reported extensive damage across the state as of 5 pm on Saturday.

Floodwaters inundated homes and breached riverbanks, particularly in the valley districts.

Affected localities include Maibakhul, Sanjenthong, New Checkon, Koirengei, Khurai Heikrumakhong, Kontha Ahallup, and Mahabali near Old Thumbuthong in Imphal.

In Senapati district, River Colony, Makhrelui village, Viewland, Vakho and Karong were among the flood-hit areas.

Landslides were reported from Tamenglong, Ukhrul, Noney and Pherzawl districts, with location-wise damage assessments still awaited.

Agricultural and horticultural crops suffered losses, while infrastructure such as houses, schools, bridges, IVRs, electric poles and community halls were also damaged.

Meanwhile, state authorities activated state and district incident response teams and opened control rooms operating 24x7 .

Search and rescue operations were underway, with a combined force of 29 NDRF personnel with four boats, two SDRF teams with additional units on standby, and three Manipur Fire Services teams with boats deployed in inundated areas.

State police and the Water Resources department were also engaged in real-time response coordination.

A total of approximately 277 persons had been evacuated as of Saturday evening.

Boats from the NDRF, SDRF, fire services and the Indian Army were utilised to evacuate victims from the worst-affected zones.

Heavy machinery, including excavators, was used for flood control measures and clearing debris from landslide-hit areas.

As many as eight relief camps and shelters - four in Imphal West, three Imphal East and one Senapati�have been made operational, with around 800 flood victims receiving food, water and medical aid.

The Health department provided medical facilities, while PHED ensured drinking water supply at the camps.

Officials have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and follow government advisories closely as rainfall is expected to continue across the state.

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