Manipur Floods 2025: Over 19,000 Affected, 3,300+ Houses Damaged as Rivers Overflow
Relief Efforts Intensify as Army and Assam Rifles Rescue Hundreds; Imphal East, Senapati Worst Affected
Imphal — Relentless rainfall over the past four days has triggered devastating floods in Manipur, displacing thousands and damaging over 3,300 homes, with Imphal East emerging as the worst-hit district. Overflowing rivers and breached embankments have inundated homes, medical facilities, and government establishments across the state.
According to state officials, a total of 19,811 people have been impacted, prompting the opening of 31 relief camps, primarily in Imphal East, to provide shelter to evacuees.
Imphal East and Senapati Bear the Brunt
The Heingang, Khurai, and Wangkhei constituencies in Imphal East have witnessed the most severe flooding, with waterlogging reported in Checkon, Porompat, and surrounding areas. Meanwhile, in Senapati district, the Senapati river overflowed near Viewland Colony, disrupting normal life and damaging infrastructure.
Authorities have also reported 47 landslides across various districts, further compounding the crisis.
Rescue Operations Save Over 800 People
The Indian Army and Assam Rifles, in coordination with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, have rescued approximately 800 individuals, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities, from submerged areas in Imphal East.
Key localities involved in the rescue operations include:
- Porompat
- New Checkon
- Sanjenthong
- Khurai Heikrumakhong Heinang
- Soibam Leikai
- Nongmeibung Raj Bari
“The rescue efforts are ongoing, and coordination between the military, local volunteers, and disaster teams has been critical,” an Army spokesperson stated.
Health Infrastructure Takes a Hit
Floodwaters entered Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Porompat, forcing hospital authorities to evacuate patients from the ground-floor orthopaedic and surgery wards. Several patients were transferred to nearby hospitals late Sunday night.
Waterlogging was also reported at the All India Radio Imphal complex and other key public offices, severely disrupting administrative operations.
Governor Visits Affected Areas, Schools Shut
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, accompanied by Chief Secretary PK Singh and senior officials, visited flood-hit areas including Kangla Nongpok Thong, Lairikyengbam Leikai, and Singjamei Bridge to assess the damage and relief response.
In light of the ongoing rains and severe waterlogging, the Governor announced the extension of summer vacation in schools in Imphal East, Imphal West, and the Senapati sub-division, until further notice.
Floodwaters Breach Riverbanks
The flooding is attributed to the overflowing of major rivers, notably the Imphal and Iril rivers, which have breached embankments in several localities. While the Iril river has crossed the danger mark, its embankments are still holding as of Monday.
Authorities fear that continued rainfall could further deteriorate the situation, prompting continuous monitoring and assessment.
Political Voices Call for Emergency Declaration
Lok Sabha MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam has written to the Governor, urging the state to declare the flood situation a “state calamity.” The move, he argues, would activate institutional disaster management frameworks and unlock additional central assistance.
Meanwhile, Manipur Congress President Keisham Meghachandra Singh criticized the Water Resources Department, alleging administrative failure in preventing floods in vulnerable areas like Heingang, the constituency of former CM N. Biren Singh.
State Coordination and Relief Efforts
The state government has ramped up inter-agency coordination to deliver timely relief, sanitation supplies, and medical aid. Relief camps are equipped with basic amenities, and local volunteers are working with officials to distribute food, clean water, and medicines.
The administration is also mapping flood-prone areas for potential future evacuation and long-term mitigation planning.