Widespread flooding triggered by relentless rainfall has thrown life into disarray across Manipur, affecting over 3,800 people and damaging at least 883 houses, according to the latest report from the Relief and Disaster Management Authority released on May 31. Within just 24 hours, floods impacted 3,275 villages and localities, with Imphal East district suffering the most severe damage.
Several rivers, including the Imphal and Iril, breached embankments in areas such as Khurai, Heingang, Checkon, and Wangkhei, inundating large sections of the state capital and surrounding localities. The Nambul River in Imphal West district also overflowed today, flooding Uripok and Samusang. In Nagaram, floodwaters began entering residential areas as rainfall continued throughout the day. Locals residing along riverbanks are working collectively to reinforce embankments and prevent further breaches.
More than 720 residents have been evacuated to safer locations, and authorities have confirmed twelve instances of landslides across the state. Two individuals sustained injuries, and 64 animals were reported dead due to the calamity. Damage to infrastructure has been reported at 11 sites, while paddy fields covering 0.2 hectares were also affected.
Rainfall to continue in the next 3 days –IMD
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued rainfall in Manipur for the next three days. Thunderstorms with lightning and squally winds of 30–40 kmph, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rainfall, are expected on June 1. Thunderstorm activity will persist from June 2 to 4, with heavy rainfall likely on June 2 and moderate rain on June 3 and 4. Skies are expected to remain generally cloudy throughout the forecast period, the IMD report stated.
Rescue and relief efforts are being carried out on a war footing. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Assam Rifles, State Disaster Response Force, police, fire services, and rescue boat teams are jointly conducting operations. Helicopters and boats are being used to reach isolated and inundated areas.
To aid displaced families, the state government has opened six relief camps and two medical relief units. Essential supplies including food, drinking water, and sanitation kits are being distributed across affected zones. Emergency embankment repairs and evacuation plans are ongoing as heavy rainfall continues to threaten low-lying areas.
A high-level government team comprising senior officers from the Home Department, Police, and Relief and Disaster Management conducted an aerial survey over Imphal East on May 31. The team assessed the extent of damage and identified urgent needs in the flood-ravaged localities. Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by Chief Secretary PK Singh and other top officials, visited Kangla Nongpok Thong, Lairikyengbam Leikai, and Singjamei Bridge, instructing authorities to remain vigilant and take immediate preventive measures.
Flooding has also disrupted operations at key institutions, including All India Radio Imphal and the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences. While water levels began to recede in certain areas by Sunday morning, many localities remain critically affected.
Residents living in vulnerable zones have been advised to stay alert and follow government advisories. An emergency control room is active, and people can reach out for assistance at 0385-2451550.
Authorities stated that all government departments are coordinating efforts to ensure prompt relief and rehabilitation, with a focus on essential services such as clean drinking water, sanitation, healthcare, and shelter.