Humanitarian Crisis Deepens: The discovery of a missing person’s body underscores the tragic toll of the Imphal floods. With 643 localities inundated and crucial infrastructure like power stations and government offices affected, the humanitarian crisis demands immediate and sustained aid.
June 4, 2025:
The Imphal Valley woke up to a grim reality this Wednesday, as the devastating flood situation continued its relentless grip on the region, affecting over 1.64 lakh people and causing widespread suffering. Despite a slight decrease in river water levels, several areas, particularly in Imphal East district, remain submerged for the fourth consecutive day, painting a dire picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding.
The recovery of the body of a 57-year-old man, previously reported missing, from the Abulok River in Imphal West district, has added to the growing despair as residents battle the overwhelming impact of breached embankments and overflowing rivers like the Imphal and Kongba, triggered by incessant heavy rainfall.
Official figures reveal the immense scale of destruction: at least 35,143 houses have been damaged, and 643 localities, predominantly in Imphal East, have been inundated. Furthermore, 82.79 hectares of agricultural land lie submerged, posing a significant threat to livelihoods in the long term.
READ: After Nagaland, Manipur Hills Now Cut Off from Mizoram Too
The immediate challenges for affected residents are immense. Power supply remains severely disrupted in major parts of Imphal East for the past four days, plunging communities into darkness and hindering relief efforts. Scarcity of potable water is another pressing concern, adding to the daily struggles of those displaced. The Kongba sub-power station in Imphal East has been forced into an emergency shutdown due to flooding, exacerbating the power outage.
Water, water everywhere not a drop to drink. That’s exactly what happened during floods in Imphal. When requested, immediately, the Army & Assam Rifles came to help us. There was happiness amongst the public. Look at the relief & happiness. Thank you, Army & Assam Rifles. pic.twitter.com/YYWlPVzNPs
— Lt Gen L Nishikanta Singh (R) (@VeteranLNSingh) June 3, 2025
Adding to the woes, 102 landslides have been reported across the state in the last four days, further complicating access and rescue operations. Even government offices, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office and Imphal East police station, have not been spared, with many inundated.
In response to the crisis, 77 relief camps have been established, providing temporary shelter and basic necessities to 3,917 evacuated individuals. The Indian Army, Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with local volunteers and NGOs, are working tirelessly in rescue and relief operations, evacuating thousands and distributing aid. The Indian Army alone has rescued over 1,560 people under ‘Operation Jal Rahat-2’.
High Court Intervenes, Calls for Coordinated Efforts:
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the High Court of Manipur has taken suo-motu cognizance of the flood and landslide situation, registering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts. The High Court has emphasized the urgent need for coordinated, timely, and effective measures to protect citizens’ lives and liberties, addressing critical needs such as food, shelter, clothing, medical aid, and long-term compensation and reconstruction packages. All concerned stakeholders, including the State of Manipur and the Union of India, have been directed to submit a status report by June 9, 2025.
Water, water everywhere not a drop to drink. That’s exactly what happened during floods in Imphal. When requested, immediately, the Army & Assam Rifles came to help us. There was happiness amongst the public. Look at the relief & happiness. Thank you, Army & Assam Rifles. pic.twitter.com/YYWlPVzNPs
— Lt Gen L Nishikanta Singh (R) (@VeteranLNSingh) June 3, 2025
Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has become a crucial outlet for trapped residents to voice their anger, share desperate pleas for help, and highlight the worsening humanitarian situation.
Many X posts reflect a deep sense of frustration and abandonment, with users questioning the speed and efficacy of government response. The breakdown in communication has exacerbated the anger. With mobile networks and landlines disrupted in many areas, people are struggling to reach out for help or even inform their loved ones.
READ: Poppy, Timber, and Politics: The Digital Feud in Flood-Hit Manipur
Highlighting Rescue Efforts
While anger at the broader response is prevalent, there’s also immense gratitude for the dedicated efforts of rescue teams from the Army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF, and local volunteers.
Thanking Assam Rifles and Army, Lt general Nishikant Singh @@VeteranLNSingh writes: “Water, water everywhere not a drop to drink. That’s exactly what happened during floods in Imphal. When requested, immediately, the Army & Assam Rifles came to help us. There was happiness amongst the public. Look at the relief & happiness. Thank you, Army & Assam Rifles.”
Despite the valiant efforts, many posts underscore the inadequacy of resources to tackle a disaster of this scale. One user pointed out that only a few boats are available for thousands of stranded people. Amidst the official efforts, X also shows numerous posts about citizen groups and NGOs organizing their own relief operations and sharing information about local help points. This highlights the resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity.
