Manipur Submerged, Sikkim Grieves: Over 19,000 Affected, 32 Dead as Floods and Landslides Ravage Northeast

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Torrential rains and floods have wreaked havoc across Northeast India, severely disrupting normal life in states such as Manipur, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam.

In Manipur, over the past four days, incessant downpours have triggered severe flooding, affecting more than 19,000 people. According to officials, 3,365 houses have been damaged. Authorities have opened 31 relief camps, primarily in Imphal East district. The worst-affected areas include Heingang, Wangkhei, and Khurai assembly constituencies and Senapati district. Flooding has also knocked out power, water, and communication services in several regions.

In Sikkim, the situation is even more dire due to continuous rainfall and landslides. Reports confirm that 32 people have lost their lives so far. Rescue operations are underway in Lachung, where police, forest officials, locals, and the Lachung Hotel Association are working together to evacuate stranded tourists. Association president Gyatso Lachungpa is leading the mission with support from local authorities.

In Arunachal Pradesh, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched a humanitarian rescue mission in the flood-hit Bomjir river area in the Lower Dibang Valley. A Mi-17 helicopter was deployed to rescue 14 people, at the request of the governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, in the Seppa West Assembly constituency, seven people died after being swept away by floodwaters on a national highway. Considering the gravity of the situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held discussions with the Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh to assess the situation. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh till June 6 and has urged citizens to remain alert and follow all official advisories.