Flash floods damage paddy fields and a key bridge in Manipur's Senapati and Ukhrul districts, disrupting farming and connectivity
IMPHAL — Incessant rainfall over the past two days triggered flash floods in villages across Manipur's Senapati and Ukhrul districts, devastating paddy fields, damaging a key road bridge and disrupting road connectivity, leaving hundreds of farming families facing heavy losses.
The flash floods affected paddy fields in Laii, Chingmei Khunou, Chingmei Khullen and Phaibung villages in Senapati district, and Chingjaroi, Phungchan, Lunghar and Peh villages in Ukhrul district on Wednesday.
"Although the floodwaters have receded, most of the submerged paddy fields have been completely damaged," a resident of Chingjaroi said.
The floods were triggered by the swelling Ngaorei (Laini) River, which originates near Ukhrul town and flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border. After days of relentless rainfall, the river breached its banks and inundated vast stretches of agricultural land.
The strong river current also damaged the foundation of the only road bridge linking Laii village in Senapati district with Kharasom village in Ukhrul district, raising concerns over connectivity and public safety.
Village authorities have urged the Manipur government to conduct an immediate assessment of the damage, provide compensation to affected farmers and repair the damaged bridge at the earliest.
Meanwhile, movement of goods-laden trucks along the Ukhrul-Tadubi road has been severely affected due to landslides at three locations. Although light vehicles have resumed plying the route, transport of essential commodities continues to face disruption, according to local residents.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ukhrul recorded the highest rainfall in Manipur on Wednesday at 91.6 mm, followed by Tamenglong with 60.3 mm.