Arambai Tengol volunteers rescue children and infants amid unprecedented floods in northeastern India
by ShravyaVolunteers from Arambai Tengol in northeastern India’s Manipur are undertaking heroic efforts to rescue children and infants as a violent torn state grapples with a flood of unprecedented magnitude.
The incident took place on May 29.
Visuals showed in the midst of the flood, a rescue team braves the rising waters to save trapped children. Using ladders, they carefully bring the kids down from the first floor of flooded homes. Despite the danger, they remain determined, ensuring each child’s safety with every step. The floodwaters, reaching unprecedented levels, pose a constant challenge, but the team’s unwavering courage shines through as they carry out their mission, providing a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), fire services, security forces, and local volunteers have been actively evacuating people, focusing on women and children. State fire services alone rescued over 200 individuals from flooded houses in Kairang and Lairikyengbam areas of Heingang Assembly Constituency, the home constituency of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. These areas have been severely affected by the breach of the Imphal River at several locations.
The breached river water has inundated numerous low-lying areas across Imphal West and Imphal East districts, including significant portions of the capital city. The worst-hit area remains the Heingang Assembly Constituency.
The overflow from other rivers, such as the Nambul, has compounded the flooding, submerging residential areas. Almost all regions in the twin capital districts of Imphal East and Imphal West are under knee-deep water due to continuous rainfall over the past three days. Major markets, including Khwairamband Keithel, have seen business activities halted as floodwaters inundate them.
Additional valley districts, including Thoubal, Kakching, and Bishnupur, have also experienced flooding. Chief Minister N Biren Singh, after inspecting some flooded areas and breached river banks, assured that all state government authorities, security personnel, NDRF, and local volunteers are working tirelessly to ensure safety and assistance to everyone affected. Stranded residents in severely affected areas are being relocated using boats.
In his social media post, the Chief Minister stated, “Due to water breaches in several river banks, many lives, including cattle, have been seriously affected. We are closely monitoring the situation and working tirelessly to tackle the issue. I urge all to remain calm and not to panic.”
The hill districts of Manipur, particularly Noney, Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, and Churachandpur, are also facing the brunt of Cyclone Remal’s relentless rain. In Senapati district, many residential houses near rivers and streams have been submerged. The Senapati River is flowing above the danger level.
Power supply in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts has been significantly disrupted due to heavy rain and strong winds causing electrical faults, including fallen poles and snapped lines. The Manipur State Power Company, Limited (MSPCL) has initiated restoration work, but it is expected to take a few more days to fully restore power.
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey expressed deep concern over the extensive damage to homes and properties. She highlighted the severe disruption to lives due to the incessant rainfall and subsequent flooding. Landslides on State and National Highways 37 and 2 have further disrupted the supply of essential commodities across the state.