India – 2 Dead in Manipur Floods, Several Rivers Overflowing After Heavy Rain

Continuous heavy rainfall in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Roanu over the last few days has increased river levels in the north east Indian state of Manipur, causing flooding in several of the state’s 9 districts.

Sphere, the Non-governmental Organization in India, has reported (PDF) that at least 4 districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal West and Imphal East, where several towns remain cut off from the rest of the state by flooding

Local media have also reported flooding in the districts of Ukhrul and Tamenglong, where torrential rains have triggered landslides, which have also made access to affected areas difficult.

Indian newspaper, Northeast Today, said:

“Manipur is on the brink of facing a major flood situation if water levels of the main rivers both in the valley and hills do not receded quickly…”

At least 2 deaths – 1 in Imphal East district, another in Ukhrul district – have been reported as a result of the severe weather.

Around 15 houses were destroyed after the Imphal River overflowed at Kyamgei. Sphere say that the “Imphal River bank was breached on 23 May at Kyamgei Muslim Oinam Loukon has expanded from 50 feet to 400 feet”, sweeping away many houses and inundating paddy fields.

The Kongba River has overflowed, flooding parts of the town of Porompat in Imphal East district.

Sphere also say that the Nambul and Nambol rivers have also overflowed and the Thoubal River is approaching warning level.

Manipur was severely affected by flooding and landslides in August 2015. Around 20 people died and at one point over half a million people were affected.

Social Media

Climate change is reality. Keiyamgei Manipur #Manipur Flood #may2016 #midastouchmanipur pic.twitter.com/stHjpNOlAw

— MidasTouchManipur (@MidasTouchOrg) May 24, 2016

A scene from flood ravaged Manipur – college students appearing for exam had to walk on desks to enter the exam room pic.twitter.com/WhDCYcSPFD

— Good Living (@GoodLiving_) May 23, 2016

Flood Summary

Last updated: July 13, 2016

Event

Manipur, India, May 2016

Date

May 22 to May 26, 2016

Type

Inland flood, River flood

Cause

Extreme rainfall

Heavy rainfall in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Roanu increased river levels in the north east Indian state of Manipur. At least 2 people have died. Flooding has been reported in the districts of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Ukhrul and Tamenglong.