Ukhrul/Senapati, August 5 | EKHON: Incessant rainfall over the past several days has caused the Rangazak Kong–Ngaorei/Laini River system to swell beyond the danger mark, triggering flash floods that have devastated newly transplanted paddy fields across Ukhrul and Senapati districts while damaging key infrastructure and disrupting connectivity.
The overflowing river has left extensive agricultural damage along its course at a time when farmers had only recently completed paddy transplantation. Initial reports indicate that major farming areas in the Chingjaroi region, including Shidwevang, Razhiivang, Avanchhung, Angzhola, Hangpula, Angvengla, Terapadang and adjoining fields, have been submerged, resulting in widespread destruction of newly planted paddy.
The impact extends well beyond Ukhrul District. Large tracts of agricultural land on the Senapati side of the river, including those around Lower Phaibung, Chingmai, Laii and neighbouring villages, have also been inundated, leaving farming communities facing significant economic losses and uncertainty over this year’s harvest.
Meanwhile, in a press statement issued on Tuesday, the Laii Village Authority Council said the Ngaorei/Laini River, which flows along the Ukhrul-Senapati border, had crossed the danger mark following continuous rainfall.
According to the Council, approximately 80,000 to 90,000 tins of newly transplanted paddy fields in Laii Village alone have been completely submerged and destroyed by the sudden flash flood, placing the livelihoods of the entire farming community at serious risk.
The Council further reported that the foundation of the only bridge connecting Laii Village with Kharasom Village in Ukhrul District has been damaged by the force of the swollen river, disrupting a vital transportation link between the two villages.
Expressing concern over public safety, the Council also pointed out that there is no hanging bridge for nearly 50 kilometres between Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii Village. As a result, farmers and residents are compelled to cross the river at considerable risk during the cultivation season and while travelling for social and community events.
The Laii Village Authority Council has urged the Government of Manipur to immediately assess the extent of crop damage, provide compensation to affected farmers, undertake urgent repairs to the damaged bridge connecting Laii and Kharasom villages, and sanction the construction of a hanging bridge between Chingjaroi, Lower Phaibung and Laii to improve public safety and connectivity.
With heavy rainfall continuing across the region, residents fear that further flooding could aggravate the damage unless the water level begins to recede. Authorities are expected to assess the affected areas in the coming days.
Rangazak Kong in its upper reaches and as the Chingjaroi River downstream, originates from the catchments of Shirui Peak and Ukhrul Town. Flowing northward, it forms a long stretch of the boundary between Ukhrul and Senapati districts before entering Nagaland, where it continues through Phek District, joins the Tizii River and eventually becomes part of the Chindwin River system in Myanmar.