Manipur: Flash Floods Ravage Paddy Fields, Damage Laii–Kharasom Bridge in Ukhrul District
Ukhrul, August 5: Continuous heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods along the Ngaorei (Laini) River, causing widespread destruction to agricultural land and damaging a key bridge connecting Laiiand Kharasom villages in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.
Following days of incessant rain, the river overflowed its banks and crossed the danger level, inundating vast stretches of paddy fields in Laii village. The flooding has dealt a major blow to the farming community, with local estimates indicating that nearly 80,000 to 90,000 tins of newly transplanted paddy fields have been submerged and destroyed.
The extensive crop damage is expected to affect agricultural production in the region this season, leaving many farmers worried about their livelihoods as paddy cultivation remains the primary source of income for numerous households.
Apart from damaging farmland, the flash floods also weakened the foundation of the Laii–Kharasom bridge, the only road link connecting the two villages. The bridge serves as a vital transportation route for residents, enabling the movement of people, agricultural produce, and essential supplies. The damage has raised serious concerns over public safety and connectivity, particularly during the ongoing monsoon.
The Ngaorei (Laini) River, which originates near Ukhrul town, flows through several villages in Ukhrul and Senapati districts before entering Phek district in Nagaland and eventually joining the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
Residents highlighted another longstanding infrastructure concern, pointing out the absence of a hanging bridge along the nearly 50-kilometre stretch connecting Chingjaroi village, Lower Phaibung, and Laii village. Due to the lack of proper infrastructure, villagers and farmers are often forced to cross the river on foot to access their farmlands and attend community activities, exposing them to serious risks during the rainy season.
The affected communities have urged the Manipur government to conduct an immediate assessment of the flood-hit areas, provide financial assistance and compensation to affected farmers, and undertake urgent repairs to the damaged Laii–Kharasom bridge.
They have also renewed their demand for the construction of a long-pending hanging bridge linking Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung, and Laii village, stating that the project is essential for ensuring safe transportation, protecting lives, and improving year-round connectivity in the region.
