Imphal: Heavy rainfall over the past three days has triggered a massive landslide in Manipur‘s Tamenglong district, completely blocking National Highway-37 (the Imphal-Silchar via Jiribam road) at the Nungdalal area.
The landslide, which occurred around 7 am at the Nungdalal area between K. Sinam and Nungnang villages on Friday, has left several vehicles stranded on both sides of the crucial highway.
The landslide, estimated to span about 30 meters, has disrupted traffic and stranded over 200 vehicles, including essential supply carriers like oil and LPG tankers from Silchar, Assam, and empty vehicles bound for Assam from Imphal.
Officials confirm that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) has deployed excavators and other heavy machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic flow. However, the scale of the blockage continues to hinder progress.
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The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on May 29 issued a “red warning”. The forecast predicted extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds for isolated areas of the Tamenglong district from the early hours of May 30 through May 31.
The IMD has also issued “orange” and “yellow” warnings for the neighbouring Senapati district, indicating continued heavy rainfall until June 3.
Heavy rain has disrupted normal life in several parts of the state, particularly in the capital city, Imphal, where waterlogging was reported from multiple areas on Friday.
The water levels of key rivers, including the Imphal and Serou rivers, have also risen significantly, prompting concern across the valley.
According to the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Imphal, the border town of Moreh recorded the state’s highest rainfall on Thursday with 102 mm, followed by Kamjong (96 mm), Chandel (76 mm), and Ukhrul (60.8 mm).
The Deputy Commissioner of Senapati district issued a public notice citing a forecast from the National Weather Forecasting Centre warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds through Friday.
The notice urged residents to remain alert and avoid all non-essential travel and outdoor activities, especially near flood-prone zones, rivers, and steep slopes, until conditions improve.
Meanwhile, the Chandel District Police issued an advisory cautioning people against fishing or venturing near the Chakpi riverbanks, where water levels have surged due to continuous downpours.
