Imphal: Two days of incessant rainfall have triggered flash floods and landslides across Manipur’s hill districts of Senapati, Ukhrul, and Kamjong, causing widespread damage to farmland, roads, and bridges, while leaving several remote border villages cut off from essential services.
The continuous downpour pushed major rivers above the danger level, inundating large stretches of agricultural land, fish ponds and areas near residential settlements. The flooding has severely affected farming communities, raising concerns over crop losses and disrupted livelihoods.
The Ngaorei (Laini) River, which originates in Ukhrul town and flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border before entering Nagaland and Myanmar, crossed the danger mark following the heavy rain. The Rangazak Kong River also overflowed near Chingjaroi village in Ukhrul district, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides in nearby areas.
In Laii village, flash floods submerged an estimated 80,000 to 90,000 tins (a local unit of measurement) of newly transplanted paddy fields, putting this season’s harvest at risk. Dozens of fish ponds and hundreds of terraced farms were also damaged, affecting more than 100 farming families.
Infrastructure suffered extensive damage as floodwaters washed away the Bailey bridge over the Nambalok River in Kamjong district. The bridge served as the only road link connecting Chatric with 12 neighbouring villages in the Sahamphung block along the Indo-Myanmar border. The structure had reportedly been weakened after an explosion on July 21, allegedly carried out by militants.
Heavy flooding also damaged the foundation of the main bridge over the Laini River, disrupting connectivity to the villages of Laii and Kharasom. In addition, a massive rain-triggered landslide destroyed nearly 100 metres of road, completely cutting off Ngari village from the rest of the district.
Residents and village authorities said people are being forced to cross fast-flowing streams on foot to reach their farms or access essential services, exposing them to serious risks.
The affected communities have appealed to the Manipur government to immediately send damage assessment teams, provide compensation for crop losses, and expedite the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure. They have also sought urgent restoration of the Laini River bridge and the construction of a hanging bridge linking Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung, and Laii village to restore connectivity.