Over 500 Civilians Rescued by Army, Assam Rifles in Flood-Hit Manipur
Over 500 civilians, including children and the elderly, were rescued by the Indian Army and Assam Rifles from severely flooded areas in Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur, officials said on Sunday. The coordinated operation is part of “Operation Jalrahat-2,” launched in response to days of relentless monsoon rains that have inundated large swathes of the state.
The second day of the rescue effort saw troops navigating submerged localities such as Wangkhei, Heingang, Lamlong, Khurai, JNIMS, and Ahallup, where homes and streets remain underwater. Ten flood relief teams equipped with inflatable boats and emergency supplies were deployed as life in the state capital came to a near standstill.
Officials confirmed that at least 25 people have died across Northeast India in the past week due to landslides, flash floods, and weather-related incidents triggered by heavy rainfall.
In Manipur, three consecutive days of rain have left many stranded, with rising water levels prompting authorities to issue flood warnings and evacuation advisories for residents living near the Imphal River floodplains.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall for the region over the next 48 hours, heightening fears of further damage and displacements.
In addition to rescue efforts, the Army Engineers carried out emergency repairs on a breached portion of the Iril River boundary wall near Arapti Lamkhai in Thoubal district to prevent more flooding in nearby areas.
At Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Army boats were used to transport stranded patients, ensuring continuity of critical medical services amid the crisis.
The Army also distributed around 800 bottles of clean drinking water and essential relief materials to displaced families housed in temporary camps and cut-off areas.
“Rescue teams are operating in close coordination with civil authorities to ensure every affected household is reached and supported,” a senior Army official said.
Ten flood relief camps have been set up across Imphal, offering temporary shelter to evacuated residents. Civilians expressed gratitude to the Army and Assam Rifles for their swift response.
Videos and images from the ground shared by eyewitnesses showed rescue boats navigating through submerged streets, while volunteers distributed food and essentials to stranded locals.
“We never expected the water to rise this fast. The Army came just in time,” said Laishram Meera, a resident of Lamlong, who was evacuated with her two children.
Manipur, like many parts of the Northeast, is prone to monsoon-related disasters due to its hilly terrain and unplanned urban development. In recent years, extreme weather events have grown more frequent, prompting calls for better flood management infrastructure.
