Noney, Manipur, July 16, 2025 — A cloudburst-like downpour lashed Manipur’s Noney district on Tuesday, recording a staggering 225 mm of rainfall in under 24 hours, the highest single-day total in the region this monsoon. The deluge has left Khoupum valley severely inundated, prompting emergency response measures and raising concerns over infrastructure resilience in the hill district.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall was concentrated in catchment zones feeding the Barak River and its tributaries, overwhelming natural drainage systems and triggering flash floods across low-lying areas. The Khoupum waterfall, a popular tourist destination, has swelled beyond safe limits, with surrounding paddy fields and homes submerged under waist-deep water.
Local authorities have confirmed that multiple villages in the valley have been cut off due to waterlogging and landslides. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Indian Army’s Spear Corps have been deployed to assist stranded residents. As of Wednesday morning, over 1,000 people have been evacuated to temporary shelters, with no casualties reported so far.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued advisories urging residents to avoid travel and remain indoors. Emergency helplines have been activated, and relief camps are being set up in Nungba and Khoupum subdivisions to accommodate displaced families.
Meteorologists attribute the extreme rainfall to a low-pressure system over northern Bangladesh and adjoining Meghalaya, which has intensified moisture-laden winds across Northeast India. The IMD forecasts continued rainfall in the region over the next 48 hours, with Khoupum expected to receive another 40–60 mm by Friday.
This marks the second major flood event in Manipur this season, following widespread inundation in Imphal Valley last month that affected over 3,800 individuals and damaged 883 homes. Experts warn that the state’s fragile topography and inadequate drainage infrastructure make it increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced weather extremes.
Authorities are closely monitoring river levels and landslide-prone zones, while engineers assess damage to roads and bridges. The government has assured swift compensation and rehabilitation for affected families once the situation stabilizes.
