The state of Manipur lies grievously afflicted by a succession of floods of unprecedented intensity, which, over recent days, have wrought havoc across several districts, displacing upwards of nineteen thousand souls and causing damage to no fewer than three thousand three hundred dwelling houses, as confirmed by the authorities concerned.
The deluge, occasioned by incessant rainfall since the closing days of May, has led to the breaching of embankments and the overflowing of rivers such as the Imphal and Thoubal, which have inundated vast tracts of low-lying lands in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and adjoining districts.
The Manipur State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) reports that rescue and relief operations are now in full swing, aided by personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). More than fifty relief camps have been established to house those rendered homeless, where they are being supplied with food, potable water, and basic medical assistance.
GOVERNMENT MOBILISES RELIEF
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Manipur, Shri N. Biren Singh, addressed the public on Monday morning, assuring the populace that all necessary resources have been mobilised to alleviate suffering and mitigate further damage. “Our forces are working tirelessly,” he said, “to ensure that every affected family is rescued and provided with the necessary care and protection.”
Camps have been set up in schools and community halls, while makeshift kitchens provide meals thrice daily. The Public Health Department has cautioned against the rising threat of disease, as stagnant waters and unsanitary conditions threaten outbreaks of dysentery, typhoid, and other waterborne ailments.
TRANSPORT AND POWER PARALYSED
The inundation has brought much of the state’s transport network to a standstill. Portions of National Highway 2 are reported submerged, with vehicular movement entirely halted in some segments. Telegraph poles and electrical installations have collapsed in several areas, leaving entire localities without power for extended durations.
Meanwhile, the region’s farmers look upon their submerged fields with despair, fearing the loss of an entire season’s crop, especially rice, which forms the backbone of the local agrarian economy.
SCIENTISTS WARN OF CLIMATIC VOLATILITY
According to statements issued by the India Meteorological Department, further showers are expected over the next 48 hours, compelling authorities to maintain a red alert across all flood-affected districts. Scientists are of the opinion that such erratic weather patterns are no longer anomalous but rather symptomatic of climate change and the resulting disruption to traditional monsoon cycles.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar, senior meteorologist, stated, “There is little doubt that the severity and frequency of such events are increasing. Preparations must now be made with a long-term perspective.”
A STATE IN DISTRESS
The full extent of damage is yet to be assessed; however, it is clear that Manipur faces a formidable challenge in the days ahead. Appeals have been made to the Central Government for financial aid and rehabilitation support.
Citizens, too, are rising to the occasion, with volunteers and charitable institutions rendering assistance wherever possible. The spirit of resilience, so deeply embedded in the people of this land, shines forth amidst the murk of muddy waters and broken homes.
As the rains show little sign of abating, the people of Manipur await relief – and perhaps, soon after, a return to normalcy.
