IMPHAL, June 1: Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Manipur with 3,802 people affected and 883 houses damaged due to floods and landslides across the state in the last 48 hours, officials said on Sunday.
Several localities of the state’s capital Imphal and many parts of Imphal East district have been inundated after a swollen river breached embankments and overflowed in Khurai, Heingang and Checkon areas, they said.
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla visited several inundated areas of Imphal town even as the army and Assam Rifles personnel rescued nearly 800 people from submerged localities in Imphal East, the worst-affected district, they said.
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Bhalla, accompanied by Chief Secretary PK Singh and other senior officials, visited Kangla Nongpok Thong, Lairikyengbam Leikai, and Singjamei Bridge in Imphal and assessed the overall situation, a Raj Bhavan statement said.
“At least 3802 people have been affected and 883 houses damaged in the last 48 hours as a result of floods and landslides in the state.
Altogether 3,275 localities or villages have been hit by heavy rain till Saturday evening. Two persons have also been injured. The death of 64 animals has been reported,” an official said.
Overall, 12 landslides occurred across the state so far, he said.
Waterlogging was reported on the premises of several offices and establishments, including All India Radio Imphal complex, and state-run Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, after the Imphal river overflowed in Checkon area, another official said.
On Sunday, the water level in the Iril river in Imphal East district crossed the danger mark on Sunday but is yet to breach the embankments, he said.
Locals and authorities have been trying to strengthen the embankments.
The water level in Checkon and Wangkhei receded on Sunday morning, but the situation in Khurai and Heingang constituencies, which were inundated on Saturday, remains unchanged, another official said.
During the visit, the governor instructed the officials to monitor the river situation closely and to implement pre-emptive measures, the Raj Bhavan statement said, adding that directions have been given to deputy commissioners to arrange for evacuation and temporary relief measures for the affected people.
SDRF and NDRF units have also been alerted, it added.
Widespread flooding had been reported across several parts of Imphal after the Imphal River breached its banks on both sides, following incessant rainfall over the past three days.
District administrations across Manipur have issued public advisories and released helpline numbers for residents in need. District Disaster Management teams have also been placed on high alert.
Officials confirmed that the Imphal River has overflowed in at least four locations: Singjamei (right bank), Heingang (left bank), Bashikhong (left bank), and New Checkon (left bank). Authorities added that the water level in the Imphal River is “well above the flood level,” while the Nambul River and the Iril River remain below flood level for now.
“Our rescue team, with assistance from locals, is taking necessary measures to control the river’s overflow,” officials said.
Floodwaters have inundated several key areas, including the main road at Palace Compound, the City Convention Centre, the All India Radio campus, and surrounding localities. Local volunteers have launched rescue operations in the affected zones.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), very heavy rainfall is expected on May 31 and June 1, with thunderstorms, lightning, and squalls likely over the following three days. IMD data recorded as of 11:30 a.m. showed light thunderstorms across most districts of Manipur, with maximum surface wind speeds below 40 kmph, and moderate rainfall measured between 5–15 mm/hour.
According to the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), a team comprising senior officers from the Home Department, Police, and Relief & Disaster Management conducted an aerial inspection of the flood-affected areas in Imphal East today. The helicopter survey provided a comprehensive view of the worst-hit zones, allowing the team to assess the extent of the damage and the urgent needs of the population.
This inspection was part of a multi-pronged strategy initiated by the State Government, which is working round the clock to control and mitigate the effects of the ongoing floods. Authorities are coordinating with relevant departments and agencies to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Essential services such as water supply, sanitation, healthcare, and emergency shelter are being prioritized to support the affected population. With continuous heavy rainfall in the state, all Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to remain alert, provide relief measures, and take steps to clear landslides.
The emergency control room can be reached at 0385-2451550 for flood and rain-related assistance.
In a public appeal, Imphal West Superintendent of Police Ksh. Shivakanta urged media outlets to help discourage unnecessary movement. “Please request the public not to venture out unless absolutely necessary, as traffic congestion is hampering the movement of emergency and rescue teams in flood-affected areas,” he stated.
Ng. Uttam, Director of Information and Public Relations, also issued a video appeal: “A humble appeal to the general public to stay at home and avoid visiting flood-hit sites, breaches, or vulnerable points. Such movements cause traffic jams and hinder emergency services, posing further risks to public safety.”
As a precautionary measure, officials and local volunteers have blocked several main roads leading into Imphal East. (with inputs from NNN and PTI)
