Manipur Floods: over 188K affected, more than 24,000 houses damaged

Manipur is dealing with the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, which has caused heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, and destruction. According to Awangbou Newmai, the state's Minister for Water Resources and Relief & Disaster Management, 188,143 people have been affected by the floods, with at least 24,265 houses damaged recently.

Manipur Floods: over 188K affected

Authorities have initiated massive evacuations, relocating 188,143 people to 56 relief camps across the state. Minister Newmai informed that relief materials have been distributed to the districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Noney, Churachandpur, Senapati, and Kakching as the state grapples with the crisis.

The floods have disrupted lives and claimed three lives, with nine injuries and one person missing. About 401 hectares of crop area were affected, adding to the state's economic woes.

Massive landslides and flash floods in my birthplace Manipur after #CycloneRemal. The water flowing is not a river, it's a national highway. This is climate crisis! pic.twitter.com/GCybS1aEQ2

— Licypriya Kangujam (@LicypriyaK) May 28, 2024

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh revealed that breaches in river embankments occurred at 18 spots, with 17 sealed. He stated, "Flooding in the surrounding areas has been brought under control," offering hope.

The Imphal valley, the heart of Manipur, has suffered the cyclone's impact. According to officials involved in rescue operations, torrential rains have flooded large areas, leaving thousands of residents dealing with waist-deep water.

The state capital, Imphal, has been the worst hit, with floodwaters submerging marketplaces, the Ima Keithel (Asia's largest women's market), the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, and the historic Polo Ground, the birthplace of modern polo. Government offices, hospitals, and the Raj Bhawan (Governor's residence) have been affected too.

The rivers Nambul and Imphal rivers have flooded large areas in Imphal East and West districts due to heavy rains, affecting the capital and hill districts.

Floods disrupt services

The floods have disrupted power and internet services, affecting communication and rescue efforts. Educational institutions, shops, commercial establishments, banks, and offices have been closed for the past two days. The state government declared a public holiday on May 30 and 31, urging citizens to stay indoors unless facing an emergency.

Over 4000 individuals, including over 1500 women & 800 children, have been rescued from flood-affected areas of #Manipur & shifted to safer places by #IndianArmy & #AssamRifles.
Food & drinking water has been made available.@SpokespersonMoD @adgpi @official_dgar @MyGovManipur pic.twitter.com/CjrSBKJZOy

— PRO Defence, Manipur, Nagaland & South Arunachal (@prodefkohima) May 30, 2024

The police, Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force, and State Disaster Response Force have been rescuing stranded individuals. The Army and Assam Rifles have rescued over 4,000 individuals, including 1,500 women and 800 children, in Manipur and distributed food and water to the affected areas.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh took to social media to express his gratitude. He stated, "As we work through the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, I appreciate the dedication of those who have stepped up to tackle these immediate challenges. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Manipur police, MR, IRB, Fire Service, SDRF, local clubs, CSOs, VDF, and the youths for their extraordinary courage and efficiency."

The floods have not spared Manipur's neighbouring state of Assam. Nearly 2 lakh people across nine districts have been affected. According to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority, a woman died in Hailakandi on Thursday, bringing the flood death toll to four. Three others had died in the storm following Cyclone Remal.