Manipur's Laii Village Flood Devastates Paddy Fields and Cuts Bridge

Heavy, continuous rainfall caused the Ngaorei (Laini) River to overflow its banks on Wednesday, flooding Laii Village in Senapati district, Manipur. The flash flood submerged an estimated 80,000‑90,000 tins of newly planted paddy, threatening the harvest and distressing the local farming community. The surge also damaged the only bridge linking Laii to Kharasom village in Ukhrul district, cutting a vital transport link, while a 50‑km stretch lacks any hanging bridge, forcing residents to cross the river at great risk during cultivation and social events. The Laii Village Authority Council has appealed to the Manipur government for an immediate inspection of crop losses, compensation for affected farmers, urgent repair of the damaged bridge, and the construction of a hanging bridge to restore safe connectivity.