Imphal, May 31, 2024 – Manipur is grappling with severe flooding triggered by Cyclone Remal, which has brought relentless rain and strong winds to the region. Imphal and surrounding areas have been significantly affected, leading to widespread disruption and damage.
The incessant rains have caused major rivers to overflow, inundating several parts of the Imphal Valley. Key locations like Khwairamband Keithel and the iconic Ima Market are submerged, leading to significant economic losses as vendors’ goods, worth crores, have been destroyed. The floods have also resulted in traffic disruptions and landslides, exacerbating the crisis.
In response to the disaster, the Manipur government has issued public advisories and declared holidays to ensure public safety. Emergency services, led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, are actively involved in rescue and relief operations. Over 800 citizens have been rescued by the Loktak Development Authority, with significant contributions from the Leimakhong 267 Engineering Regiment, which has been instrumental in evacuating thousands of stranded individuals.
Tragically, the floods have claimed the lives of at least three individuals, and thousands have been displaced.
Governor Anusuiya Uikey, along with EE Mi Swami Kumar Yumnam, has conducted inspections of the affected areas to assess the damage and ongoing relief efforts. Their visit underscores the administration’s commitment to managing the crisis and providing necessary assistance to the affected populations. Notably, the Raj Bhavan was flooded for the first time, highlighting the severity of the situation and prompting a direct response from the highest levels of state governance. Photos shared on social media platforms have shown the Governor personally inspecting the water levels at the Raj Bhavan, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
A section of the retaining wall on the eastern side of the Nambul River behind Kakhulong in Paona Bazar partially collapsed, further intensifying the residents’ concerns. Despite a slight drop in water levels, the river remains above danger points. MLA RK Imo Singh of Sagolband Assembly Constituency, accompanied by engineers from the Public Works Department and officials from the Water Resources Department, visited the site to assess the damage. RK Imo assured residents that a comprehensive program for constructing a new drainage system in Paona Keithel has been included under central government funding, aiming to prevent future flooding.
The Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) spokesperson, Ningombam Bupendra, highlighted the unprecedented nature of the flooding by sharing images of the Raj Bhavan’s inundation. This incident has sparked political reactions, with senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence during the crisis, as he was attending a meditation retreat in Kanyakumari.
Minister for Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management, Awangbou Newmai, reported that 188,143 people have been affected, with at least 24,265 houses damaged due to the flooding. The government has declared a two-day public holiday for all state offices until May 31 to manage the situation effectively. Efforts are ongoing to manage the floodwaters and provide relief to the affected residents, with various government and non-governmental organizations working to restore normalcy and ensure the safety and well-being of the people in Manipur.
