Manipur is grappling with the aftermath of intense rainfall that has triggered widespread flash floods and landslides. Several districts are severely affected, with homes inundated and infrastructure damaged.
In Imphal East district, areas such as Yaingangpokpi, Santikhongbal, and Sabungkhok Khunou are submerged, impacting over 1,000 households. The Leingkhong stream overflowed, flooding homes and agricultural fields in the vicinity of Lamlai police station. Imphal West is also facing inundation, with Kakwa and Sagolband experiencing waterlogging in houses and residential areas. A wooden bridge connecting Imphal East and Thoubal was swept away by the strong currents.
The Imphal-Ukhrul highway has experienced severe traffic disruptions due to stretches of the road being underwater from Singjamei Okram Leikai to Kakwa and parts of Sagolband. Landslides have been reported in Awangkhul (Noney district) and the hill districts of Senapati and Kamjong. Major rivers like the Imphal, Nambul, and Iril have seen a significant rise in water levels, though they remain below the danger mark. However, the Thoubal River's overflow, combined with waterlogging, has inundated several areas in the district headquarters. A relief camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Wangjing Kodompokpi Sports Complex was also flooded.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a moderate flash flood risk warning for six districts in Manipur until 11:30 AM on September 15: Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Senapati, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul. An orange alert has been issued for Ukhrul district, with expectations of heavy to very heavy rainfall (12-20cm) in isolated locations.
Rescue operations are being carried out by state administration, NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers, and affected families have been evacuated to safer locations. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has rescued approximately 30 to 40 residents from flooded homes.
Environmental activists have drawn attention to the link between deforestation in the hills and the increasing frequency of floods. According to social worker Achoibam Deben, even moderate rainfall now leads to severe flooding because forests cleared for poppy cultivation in the Kangpokpi district hills can no longer effectively absorb water. This connection is further emphasized by the "floods without rain" phenomenon observed on September 9 in Sabungkhok and Shantikhongbal, where a flash flood occurred despite minimal rainfall. Deforestation driven by illicit poppy cultivation has resulted in the loss of approximately 21,000 hectares of forest land between 2021 and 2025, with 17,800 hectares lost in 2024 alone.