District Administrations Issue Public Advisory After IMD Issues Red Alert for Heavy Rainfall in Manipur
Authorities urge continued caution and preparedness as the monsoon season progresses.
Following the Red Alert for heavy rainfall issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for several districts of Manipur from Thursday, multiple district administrations have released public advisories.
The alert has prompted authorities in Kangpokpi, Senapati, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Noney districts to urge residents to remain cautious and follow safety instructions in case of floods or other natural disasters.
In a public notice issued on May 29, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur stated that the IMD, in its Weather Bulletin on May 29, forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in various districts of Manipur from May 29 to June 1. Gusty winds, thunderstorms with lightning, wind speeds of 30–40 km/h, and heavy rainfall (7–11 cm in 24 hours) are very likely at isolated places, including Churachandpur district.
The Additional Deputy Commissioner advised the general public to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, especially in landslide- or flood-prone areas.
Residents are also advised to stay away from waterlogged zones and rivers or streams with strong currents, secure loose items and structures that may be affected by strong winds or rain, and follow updates and instructions from local authorities and disaster management agencies.
For any emergency, the Additional Deputy Commissioner has provided the contact numbers of Additional Sub-Divisional Officers as follows:
It was also notified that the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Churachandpur, is closely monitoring the situation and will issue further updates as necessary. Public cooperation is requested to ensure safety and preparedness.
According to the notice, the following impacts are expected due to the weather conditions:
District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are continuously monitoring the situation and will issue more updates if required. The warning also serves as a reminder of last year’s floods when Cyclone Remal brought heavy rain to the Imphal Valley. In 2024, the calamity claimed three lives and damaged over 24,000 houses in Manipur.
Meanwhile, officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (IFCD) reported that water levels in the Imphal, Nambul, and Iril rivers are rising and nearing the danger mark. By 12 noon on Friday, the Imphal River was measured at 785.525 meters, just below its warning level of 785.900 meters. The Nambul River stood at 781.075 meters, close to its warning level of 781.175 meters. The Iril River was recorded at 781.350 meters, still below its warning level of 786.700 meters.
An official noted that data collected between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. from the catchment area in Kangpokpi district showed 14 millimeters of rainfall. Field reports indicate a gradual rise in river water levels. Although the control room has not yet received any emergency calls, the department remains prepared to respond to any urgent situation.
Some areas in Imphal city have reported waterlogging due to the rain, but no major flooding has been reported so far. Persistent rains over several days have caused the water levels in the Imphal River—locally known as the Gundung River—to rise, particularly in the Kangpokpi district.
Although the river levels are still below the danger mark, local authorities remain vigilant. A close call occurred when a vehicle carrying essential goods became stranded midstream while crossing the river between Keithelmanbi and Molvom on the Saikul road.
With the help of a JCB, the vehicle was safely recovered, averting a potential disaster. No landslides or rain-triggered incidents have been reported so far, but residents are anxious that continued rainfall may cause the river to overflow, threatening nearby low-lying communities.
The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128