In response to devastating flooding in Manipur, the Indian Army and Assam Rifles have initiated Operation Jal Rahat 2, focusing on immediate relief efforts and the evacuation of stranded residents. This coordinated mission has successfully rescued nearly 800 individuals from various districts, notably Imphal East and West.
The operation utilized Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) along with rescue boats, enabling troops to reach some of the most severely impacted areas. Key locations included Porompat, Wankhei, Sanjenthong, Palace Compound, New Checkon, Khurai Heikrumakhong Heinang, Soibam Leikai, Wangkhei Angom Leikai, and Nongmeibung Raj Bari.
Two major rescue columns were mobilized for this effort. The first column, stationed in Singjamei, operated in Wangkhei Khunou from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., successfully rescuing 193 individuals—comprising 64 men, 85 women, and 44 children. Another column operated in Heikrumakhong between noon and 2:30 p.m., where they rescued 182 individuals, which included 35 men, 90 women, and 57 children.
Additionally, an extra 408 individuals were evacuated from other submerged areas. This group included 137 men, 179 women, and 92 children, along with 10 to 20 elderly and differently-abled people. All evacuees were moved to safer locations where they received access to clean drinking water, food supplies, and immediate medical assistance.
Demonstrating their adaptability and commitment to community safety, the Assam Rifles also answered an urgent call from the Director of All India Radio (AIR) Imphal, facilitating the evacuation of the AIR office premises that had been flooded.
Throughout the operation, troops faced challenging and intense flood conditions, using buoyant rescue boats to navigate submerged areas. Authorities have since reported that the flooding situation is now under control, thanks to the swift and dedicated efforts of the rescue teams on the ground.
