Guwahati: Days of incessant rainfall have triggered flash floods along the Ngaorei, also known as the Laini River, causing extensive damage to paddy fields and weakening a crucial bridge in Manipur’s Ukhrul district.
The river, which originates in Ukhrul town and flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border, crossed the danger mark after continuous heavy rain, inundating large areas of agricultural land in Laii village.
According to local estimates, between 80,000 and 90,000 tins of newly transplanted paddy fields have been submerged and destroyed, dealing a severe setback to farmers who depend on paddy cultivation for their livelihoods. The widespread crop loss has also raised concerns about agricultural output in the region this season.
The flash floods further damaged the foundation of the only bridge connecting Laii and Kharasom villages, disrupting a vital transport link used by residents for daily travel and the movement of essential goods and services.
The Ngaorei (Laini) River passes through several villages in Ukhrul and Senapati districts before entering Phek district in Nagaland and eventually joining the Chindwin River in Myanmar.
Residents also pointed to the absence of a hanging bridge along an approximately 50-kilometre stretch between Chingjaroi village, Lower Phaibung and Laii village. As a result, villagers and farmers are often forced to cross the river on foot to reach their farmlands and attend community events, exposing them to significant risks, particularly during the monsoon season.
The affected communities have appealed to the Manipur government to carry out an immediate assessment of the flood-hit areas, provide compensation to farmers for crop losses, and repair the damaged bridge linking Laii and Kharasom villages.
They have also renewed their demand for the construction of a hanging bridge connecting Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii village, saying the long-pending project is essential for improving public safety and ensuring reliable year-round connectivity.