Imphal: The Manipur government has issued public advisories following the Red Alert warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday.
Administrators in Kangpokpi, Senapati, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Noney districts have urged the public to remain alert and follow safety protocols in anticipation of possible floods or other natural calamities during this period.
According to a government statement, the IMD weather bulletin forecasted “heavy to very heavy rainfall” in parts of Manipur from May 29 to June 1. The forecast included gusty winds, thunderstorms with lightning, and wind speeds ranging from 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. Rainfall of 7 to 11 centimeters in 24 hours is likely to occur at isolated places across the state. ‘District Disaster Management Authorities in the affected districts are actively monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as required.’
In 2024, Manipur experienced severe flooding triggered by Cyclone Remal, which caused widespread rainfall and inundation across the Imphal valley. The disaster claimed three lives and affected over 24,000 houses. Officials at the Irrigation and Flood Control Department control room said, “The water levels of the three major rivers flowing through the Imphal valley—Imphal River, Nambul River, and Iril River are approaching danger marks.”
As of 12 noon on Friday, the water level of the Imphal River was recorded at 785.525 metres below ground level (mbgl), compared to its warning level of 785.900 mbgl. The Nambul River stood at 781.075 mbgl (warning level: 781.175 mbgl), while the Iril River measured 781.350 mbgl, still below its warning level of 786.700 mbgl.
As per data recorded from 6 am to 10 am in the catchment area of Kangpokpi district, officials have recorded 14 mm of rainfall. “The control room has not received any emergency call; however, the department is ready to tackle any emergency,” said a flood control official. Waterlogging has been reported in parts of Imphal city, but there have been no reports of flooding so far.
Officials confirmed that continuous rainfall over the past two days has triggered landslides along National Highway 37 (Imphal Silchar via Jiribam), severely affecting traffic movement between K. Sinam and Sehjang villages near Nungdolan in Kangpokpi district. “The landslides have blocked key stretches of the highway. The construction company responsible for the highway is currently engaged in clearing the debris to restore normal vehicular movement,” said a government official.
