Region
3 killed, thousands affected as landslides, floods wreak havoc in Manipur
IMPHAL — At least three people have been killed and thousands affected by floods triggered by heavy rain in eight districts of Manipur, officials said on Thursday.
Officials said that a 34-year-old man was killed and three others were injured in a landslide caused by heavy rain in Senapati district, while an octogenarian woman drowned in the overflowing Senapati river in the same district.
In state capital Imphal, an elderly man died of electrocution after he came in contact with a live wire amid heavy downpour.
All the major rivers, including Imphal, Nambul, and Kongba, were flowing above the danger levels, with water entering hundreds of government and private buildings, houses, and important installations in all five valley districts.
Thousands of men, women, and children have taken shelter at safer places, officials added.
Due to the incessant rainfall since Wednesday night, the banks of the Imphal river have been breached near Keirang, Khabam and Lairiyengbam Leikai in Imphal East district.
Also read: Heavy rains, landslide leave trail of destruction across northeast India, 36 dead in 4 states
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force, para-military personnel, Manipur police and local volunteers are engaged in rescue operations in the affected districts.
A team of NDRF arrived in Imphal by a special Indian Air Force flight to join the relief and rescue operations.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who visited some flood-affected areas, said that due to a breach of the river banks in many areas, a large number of people and livestock have been affected.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister said: “I appreciate the teams of the NDRF, Indian Army, and Assam Rifles for supporting the local authorities in carrying out the rescue operations and saving precious lives at various flooded areas in the state.
“As many as 40 personnel of the NDRF and six additional motorboats have also arrived in Imphal. I urge all to extend cooperation to the rescue teams as they perform their duties to ensure everyone’s safety.”
I appreciate the teams of the NDRF, Indian Army & Assam Rifles for supporting the local authorities in carrying out the rescue operations & saving precious lives at various flood areas of the state.
— N.Biren Singh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@NBirenSingh) May 29, 2024
As many as 40 personnel of the NDRF and 6 additional motorboats have also… pic.twitter.com/nvoaCT7qmv
Officials said that the vital Irang Bailey bridge on Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH 37), which connects Imphal with the rest of the country via southern Assam, collapsed in Taobam village in Noney district, disrupting vehicular movement.
A defence spokesman said that relief and rescue efforts have been launched at multiple locations simultaneously by the columns of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles on the request of the civil administration of Imphal East district.
As we work through the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, I appreciate the dedication of those who have stepped up to tackle these immediate challenges.
— N.Biren Singh (Modi Ka Parivar) (@NBirenSingh) May 30, 2024
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Manipur police, MR, IRB, Fire Service, SDRF, local clubs, CSOs, VDF, and the youths for their… pic.twitter.com/XpX5kAR5Yp
Also read: Several Northeast states cut off from rest of India by rail as tracks submerged or damaged