Over 500 rescued in flood-struck Manipur by Army, Assam Rifles

The Army and paramilitary force Assam Rifles continued their extensive flood rescue operations across Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur, on Day-2 of Operation Jalrahat-2, rescuing over 500 civilians, including children and the elderly.

The personnel rescued civilians from severely inundated areas such as Wangkhei, Heingang, Lamlong, Khurai, JNIMS and Ahallup, officials said.

So far, at least 25 people have been killed across the Northeast following days of relentless monsoon rains that triggered widespread landslides and flash floods, officials confirmed on Sunday.

In Manipur, three days of relentless rainfall have brought daily life in the state capital Imphal to a standstill. Waterlogging has been reported from several parts of the city, prompting authorities to issue flood warnings and urge evacuation of residents living along the floodplains of the Imphal River.

Ten flood relief camps, equipped with Boat Assault Universal Type (BAUTs), and inflatable boats from the Army Engineers were deployed for the rescue operations. The Army personnel also undertook emergency repairs of the breached Iril River boundary wall near Arapti Lamkhai in Lilong, Thoubal District, to control further flooding of adjoining areas. At JNIMS hospital, boats were used to ferry stranded patients to safety.

Around 800 bottles of drinking water and other essential supplies were also distributed by the rescuers to displaced families across relief zones. The Army and Assam Rifles continue to operate in close coordination with civil authorities to reach affected communities and provide all support, officials added.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of continued heavy rainfall across the region in the coming days, keeping the authorities and disaster response agencies on their toes.