Imphal: Heavy rainfall over the last two days has triggered flash flood-like conditions across several hill districts of Manipur, causing panic among residents and widespread damage to agricultural land.
According to the Meteorological Centre, Imphal, Ukhrul district was the worst affected, recording 91.6 mm of rainfall, followed by Tamenglong district with 60.3 mm.
Several villages in northern Ukhrul, including Chingjaroi, are reportedly witnessing one of their worst floods in years after two days of relentless rain caused rivers and streams to swell.
Large stretches of paddy fields along the Rangazak Kong river have been inundated, threatening the food security of many villagers. Standing crops have reportedly been devastated, putting the next harvest season at risk.
Rangazak Kong is one of the longest rivers in northern Ukhrul district. It originates in Phungcham village and flows towards Myanmar’s Chindwin River, passing through Lunghar, Longpi, Chingjaroi and Jessami villages. The Rangazak Kong joins the Challou River at Akash Bridge before flowing into the Chindwin.
In neighbouring Senapati district, the Ngaorei (Laini) River, which originates in Ukhrul and flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border, has reportedly crossed the danger mark.
Flooding has severely affected villages in both Ukhrul and Senapati, including Laii village. The river continues through Nagaland’s Phek district before joining the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
According to K Saloni, chairman of the Laii Village Authority Council, the sudden flash flood submerged and destroyed approximately 80,000 to 90,000 tins of newly planted paddy fields in Laii village.
“The entire farming community is facing severe distress as this year’s harvest is now under threat,” Saloni said.
The only bridge connecting Laii village to Kharasom village in Ukhrul district also sustained structural damage, disrupting a vital transport link.
Saloni said there is no hanging bridge for nearly 50 kilometres between Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii villages, forcing residents to risk crossing swollen rivers to reach their farmlands and attend social events.
He urged the state government to prioritise the construction of a hanging bridge connecting Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii villages to ensure public safety and restore connectivity.
He also called for immediate field inspections, crop damage assessments, compensation for affected farmers, and urgent repairs to the damaged Laini River bridge.
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