The devastating flash floods in Manipur, triggered by breaches in the Imphal and Kongba rivers and the overflowing of the Imphal and Iril rivers, have affected more than 1.6 lakh people across the state, officials confirmed on Wednesday.

The state has also recorded its first flood-related death in the ongoing crisis. The body of 55-year-old Takhellambam Ibochouba, a resident of Leirenkabi in Imphal West district, was recovered on Tuesday. He was reportedly swept away by the Abulok River on Sunday.

According to the latest update from the State Relief and Disaster Management Authority, at least 35,193 houses and 52 public infrastructure facilities have been damaged across 643 localities. The situation has left thousands homeless and dependent on emergency assistance.

In a sign of relief, rainfall subsided in most parts of Manipur on Wednesday, allowing rescue and relief operations to intensify. The water levels of the Imphal, Iril, and Nambul rivers have begun to recede, easing the pressure on several inundated areas.

So far, 3,917 people have been evacuated to safer locations, and 77 relief camps have been established to provide temporary shelter for displaced residents.

The relentless rainfall over the past five days also triggered 102 landslides, severely impacting the districts of Imphal East, Senapati, and Imphal West. These incidents have further complicated relief efforts and disrupted connectivity.

The healthcare sector has not been spared. The Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), one of the state’s premier government-run hospitals, has been forced to close temporarily due to flooding. A public notice issued by Medical Superintendent Prof. Kh Lokeshwar Singh cited concerns over the safety of patients, staff, and infrastructure.

Despite improved weather conditions, several key locations in Imphal East remain submerged, including the Deputy Commissioner’s office, the Superintendent of Police’s premises, large parts of the JNIMS campus, adjacent residential areas, and agricultural lands.

State authorities continue to focus on relief distribution, rescue operations, and restoration of essential services as the region grapples with the aftermath of one of its worst flood events in recent years.