Manipur: Search operation enters third day to trace schoolgirl swept away in flash floods
Imphal, June 13
Search operations continued for the third consecutive day on Saturday to trace a 14‑year‑old girl student who was swept away by flash floodwaters in Manipur's Churachandpur district, officials said.
A district official said the tragic incident occurred on June 11 at Laijon Veng in the Tuibong Sub‑Division of Churachandpur district, where the young girl was swept away by strong currents triggered by incessant rainfall.
The Class 8 student, identified as Lamboikim, was returning home from school when she was caught in the raging waters and carried away by the powerful current. Her whereabouts remained unknown till Saturday evening, the official said.
Lamboikim was a student of Radhakrishnan Foundation School.
Immediately after the incident, local youth clubs, civil society organisations, philanthropic groups and concerned residents launched extensive search efforts along the Tuitha River and other areas in an attempt to locate the missing girl.
However, despite sustained efforts, the girl could not be traced due to adverse weather conditions, swollen river currents and the lack of adequate rescue infrastructure in the area.
In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Churachandpur district administration initiated a major search‑and‑rescue operation with the assistance of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Acting on a requisition made by the Sub‑Divisional Officer (SDO), Tuibong, and endorsed by the Deputy Commissioner of Churachandpur, who also heads the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), an SDRF team was deployed from Imphal to assist in the search operation.
The SDRF team, led by Team Leader Havildar Riyajuddin, reached the site on Friday and immediately began search operations from Zero Point, the location where the victim was last seen being swept away by the floodwaters.
To intensify the operation, the SDRF personnel have deployed inflatable boats and specialised rescue equipment to scour the river and adjoining areas.
Assuring the bereaved family and local residents of the team's commitment, Riyajuddin said they would continue the search operation until the body was recovered.
Meanwhile, volunteers from the Kuki Khanglai Lawpi (KKL), Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), Churachandpur, along with members of local youth clubs and residents, have also been conducting large‑scale search operations along the Tuitha River in an effort to locate the missing student.
The combined efforts of government agencies, community organisations and local volunteers continued throughout Saturday, with authorities expressing hope that the search operation would yield results despite the challenging conditions.
--IANS sc/dan
— IANS
Reader Comments
Seeing the local youth clubs and KSO volunteer so tirelessly gives me hope. This is what community strength looks like. But the district administration should have been more proactive—why did they wait two days to call SDRF? Every hour counts in such situations. Also, schools should have safety plans for flooding-prone routes.
Such a tragic situation. As someone who grew up in the hills, I know how quickly these flash floods can turn deadly. The family must be going through unimaginable trauma. I hope the search teams find closure for them, even if it's not the outcome they wish for. Sending strength from Bangalore.
Seeing yet another tragedy due to monsoon—this is just too common in the Northeast. While the search operation is necessary, why aren't we investing in basic flood prevention and early warning systems in these vulnerable areas? The government needs to prioritise disaster risk reduction, not just response. Praying for Lamboikim's family 🙏
Hats off to the local volunteers who jumped into action immediately. The community spirit in Manipur's hills is truly inspiring. I just wish the administration had mobilised SDRF sooner—the delay could cost her life. And yes, schools need to coordinate with parents during extreme weather. Stay strong, Lamboikim's family.
A 14-year-old girl's life is at stake because of a lack of proper infrastructure. This is the reality of many Indian villages, especially in the hilly regions. The SDRF effort is needed but the root cause—poor drainage, un
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