With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting continued widespread rainfall and thundershowers across Manipur over the next seven days, serious concerns are growing over a possible repeat of the devastating flash floods that struck the Imphal valley just two weeks ago. Alarm has further intensified with the rising water levels of the Nambul, Imphal, and other rivers following incessant rain on Sunday night and Monday.
The forecast has prompted renewed calls for the state government to take urgent precautionary measures before another disaster unfolds.
Imphal East district, which bore the brunt of the previous flood, is still reeling from its aftermath. Hundreds of residents remain in relief camps after their homes were either severely damaged or completely destroyed. Many localities in Imphal city, particularly low-lying areas, had experienced heavy inundation due to breaches in river embankments and the failure of the city’s drainage system.
Breaches in the Imphal River, Iril River, and Kongba River during the last flood not only caused extensive destruction but also exposed the fragility of the state’s flood management infrastructure. Despite the scale of damage, many affected households have yet to receive government assistance for rebuilding, and continue to rely on community-level relief efforts.
The IMD’s latest bulletin warns of “very likely” rainfall and thundershowers in both hill and valley districts through June 29. Districts such as Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching are expected to witness fairly widespread to scattered rainfall. Hill districts including Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Kamjong, and Churachandpur are also likely to receive continuous rainfall throughout the week. Given the already saturated soil and weakened embankments, even moderate rain could lead to fresh flooding, landslides, and further displacement.
Environmental experts have warned that unless immediate steps are taken to clear clogged drains, reinforce vulnerable riverbanks, and deploy emergency response teams, valley and downstream areas will remain at serious risk. The delay in restoring flood-hit homes and critical infrastructure also means that thousands remain vulnerable as the rains intensify.
Citizens and civil society organisations have called upon the government to treat the situation as a red alert and not wait for another crisis to strike. They have strongly recommended urgent field assessment, reinforcement of embankments, desilting of stormwater drains, and pre-positioning of rescue and relief supplies.
With the monsoon gaining strength, the onus is now on the state government to act swiftly and decisively to prevent a second wave of flood disaster. For the people of Manipur, especially those already displaced, another blow would be devastating.