Flash floods in Manipur hill districts submerge paddy fields after heavy rain

Heavy rainfall over the last two days has triggered flash-flood-like conditions in several hill districts of Manipur. Residents reported panic as rivers and streams swelled, and agricultural areas faced widespread damage.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Imphal, Ukhrul district was the worst affected, recording 91.6 mm of rainfall. Tamenglong district followed with 60.3 mm.

Ukhrul worst-hit; Rangazak Kong river inundates fields

In northern Ukhrul, villages including Chingjaroi were reportedly hit by some of their worst flooding in years after two days of relentless rain. Large stretches of paddy fields along the Rangazak Kong river were inundated. Standing crops were reportedly devastated, raising concerns about the next harvest season.

Rangazak Kong, which originates in Phungcham village and flows through areas such as Lunghar, Longpi, Chingjaroi and Jessami, joins the Challou River at Akash Bridge before flowing towards the Chindwin. The swollen river course has meant water logging and crop loss in areas close to these streams and channels.

Senapati villages affected; bridge damage disrupts connectivity

In neighbouring Senapati district, the Ngaorei (Laini) River, which flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border, has reportedly crossed the danger mark. Flooding has severely affected villages including Laii village, where newly planted paddy fields were submerged.

Local reports from the Laii Village Authority Council chairman say the flood submerged and destroyed about 80,000 to 90,000 tins of newly planted paddy in Laii village. He also said the only bridge connecting Laii village to Kharasom village in Ukhrul district sustained structural damage, disrupting a key transport link.

The chairman added that there is no hanging bridge for nearly 50 kilometres between Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii villages. As a result, residents have been forced to cross swollen rivers to reach farmlands. He urged the state government to prioritise bridge repairs and to conduct immediate field inspections, crop damage assessments, and compensation for affected farmers.