Flood waters recede in Imphal; relief camps start closing as schools reopen

Imphal, Manipur — September 18, 2025 After days of heavy rains and flooding across Manipur, signs of improvement have emerged in several affected areas. Water levels in the major rivers have begun to fall gradually, easing immediate danger and enabling displaced families to return to their homes. The easing of flood threats has allowed many schools, which were shut for safety, to reopen today. In Urup Awang Leikai, twelve families who had taken refuge in the Madrassa Maktab relief camp were able to return home, and that camp has since been formally closed. In Sawombung, two other relief centres were similarly shut, as the temporary shelters were no longer needed. Nevertheless, recovery is still fragile in many quarters. The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) at Porompat remains non-operational due to flooding, and its water supply system is offline. Residents in surrounding localities are facing hardship from lack of clean water and access to medical services. Authorities are focusing on restoring damaged infrastructure. One urgent task is repairing breaches in river embankments. At Maibam in Wangoi, work is underway to patch up a compromised section of the Imphal River embankment. Engineers, local officials, and volunteers are all participating, trying to safeguard nearby villages from further flood damage. The return home is cautious — many residents are staying alert, knowing that even though river levels are down, weather forecasts still warn of rain. They are concerned that heavy rainfall upstream could swell rivers again. The government has also warned that flood-affected zones will be under continued monitoring. Schools reopening has been welcomed by parents and students alike, though many are returning to homes that are still damp, with some waterlogged roads and damaged access routes. Clean-up operations are moving ahead: clearing of silt, debris and fallen trees is ongoing. Local governments are arranging temporary water supply and restoration of basic amenities. The authorities are also trying to mobilize health and sanitation measures, since standing water may lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Medical teams are being deployed in the worst-hit areas, both to treat ailments and to monitor for early symptoms of disease. Relief camp closures help reduce pressure on emergency responses, but officials caution that full rehabilitation will take time. Some homes suffered structural damage, crops were lost, and many villagers are assessing losses. The state administration says compensation and support measures will be extended to those most affected. In sum, Manipur is in the early stages of recovery after the floods. Though the situation is improving, challenges remain: restoring full services (medical, clean water), repairing damaged embankments and infrastructure, and ensuring the safety of returnees. Local communities are breathing a sigh of relief, but guards are still up.