Torrential rains brought by Cyclone Remal have caused significant flooding in Manipur, particularly in the Imphal Valley, as two rivers overflowed, submerging numerous areas. The disaster has claimed at least three lives, according to ANI reports.The state government has promptly initiated rescue and relief operations to address the crisis. On Thursday, in response to the severe flooding, the government declared a two-day public holiday for all state offices until May 31. The directive advised residents to stay indoors unless in an emergency.
The official order stated, “Both May 30 and May 31 have been designated public holidays for all state government offices, corporations, autonomous bodies, and societies under the Manipur government.”The flooding has been exacerbated by breaches in embankments along the Nambul and Imphal rivers, which have reached critical levels. Low-lying areas of Imphal are particularly affected, with floodwaters inundating homes and streets.
Key departments responsible for rescue, relief, and essential services—including home, police, relief and disaster management, power, health and family welfare, district administration, and water resources—remain operational despite the public holiday.Rescue operations are ongoing in the severely impacted districts of Imphal East and Imphal West. Chief Minister N Biren Singh commended the Thanga fishermen for their collaborative efforts with the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) in rescuing stranded individuals.To bolster the relief efforts, 40 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and six additional motorboats arrived at Imphal airport on Wednesday night.The relentless rains have also triggered a landslide in Tamenglong district, affecting the National Highway-37 Imphal-Silchar route. Additionally, the Nambul River’s overflow at Samurou in Imphal West district has led to flooding in the Wangoi constituency.