01 Jul 2022 | 01:04 PM UTC
India: Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Manipur State as of July 1
Disruptions due to landslide ongoing in Manipur State, India, as of July 1; further adverse weather forecast.
Event
A landslide triggered by heavy rainfall is causing disruptions in Noney District in Manipur State as of July 1. The landslide occurred at a railway construction yard in Tupul early June 30. As of July 1, authorities have confirmed 14 fatalities and dozens of people are still missing under the debris. The victims include members of the Territorial Army, construction workers, and local residents. The landslide has also blocked the flow of the nearby Ijai River, raising fears of possible flooding in the area. Residents in the vicinity of the landslide have been advised to be prepared for evacuation in case further rainfall triggers flooding or additional landslides. Travelers have also been advised to avoid National Highway 37 due to multiple blockages on the road. Response operations are ongoing.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast further adverse weather across Manipur State through at least July 5. Yellow heavy rainfall, thunderstorm, and lightning warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) have been issued across Manipur July 1-5. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional landslides and flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.
Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
