COCOMI opens helpline for flood relief, urges immediate government action

The recent spate of flooding across the state has caused widespread destruction, inundating homes and creating an urgent shortage of essentials such as food, clean water, and medicines.
Despite prior warnings about potential risks, the state government’s response has come under sharp scrutiny for its sluggish pace and lack of coordination. In the absence of a swift official reaction, civil society bodies and local volunteers have stepped in to lead emergency rescue and relief operations, exposing major lapses in disaster preparedness and crisis governance.
In response to the situation, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has voiced strong concerns and put forward a series of immediate demands. These include the release of Action Taken Reports by all relevant government departments and full transparency on the allocation and distribution of relief materials. The committee is also pushing for a clear, time-bound rehabilitation roadmap to support those displaced or affected by the floods.
On June 1, 2025, a team from COCOMI, led by its Convenor, visited flood-affected areas to directly assess the ground situation. Their observations revealed pressing needs and challenges faced by flood-hit communities, prompting them to call for more structured and effective relief measures. In response, COCOMI has activated its volunteer network and launched a Flood Relief & Emergency Helpline based at Khurai Lamlong Keithel to coordinate ongoing support.
Among its key proposals, COCOMI has suggested forming a permanent State Disaster Response Task Force, equipped with trained personnel for rapid deployment during emergencies. The group is also recommending the establishment of decentralised emergency units in every district and sub-division, along with significant upgrades to drainage and flood-control systems in vulnerable zones.
To strengthen the state’s disaster readiness, COCOMI advocates introducing a digital tracking system for relief distribution, conducting routine pre-monsoon risk evaluations, and running sustained awareness programmes at the community level. The organisation also urges the state to allocate emergency relief funds in advance, backed by public auditing systems, and to formally include civil society organisations in both planning and implementation of disaster management initiatives.
COCOMI has appealed to individuals, businesses, and capable government departments to contribute towards ongoing relief efforts—either monetarily or through material aid. The committee underscores that only collective responsibility and cooperation can effectively alleviate the crisis being faced by affected residents. Those wishing to help are encouraged to contact the COCOMI Flood Relief & Emergency Helpline.