Man rescues drowning dog amid Manipur floods, video goes viral as state battles torrential rain

On June 2, 2025, a video emerged from flood-affected Manipur showing a local resident risking his life to save a dog struggling to stay afloat in rapidly rising floodwaters. The footage, recorded in an unidentified locality within the state, was first shared by social media user @diana_warep on X (formerly Twitter) and rapidly went viral, garnering widespread praise for the man’s selfless act. The video shows the man wading into neck-deep water, reaching the terrified animal, and bringing it safely back to land as bystanders cheered in the background.

The rescue occurred against the backdrop of intensifying floods across several districts in Manipur. Over the weekend, torrential monsoon rains led to widespread inundation in Imphal East, Thoubal, Kakching, Bishnupur, and parts of Churachandpur, prompting emergency alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). With more rainfall forecast over the coming days, the video has come to symbolize a rare moment of humanity amid escalating natural hardship.

Why Is Manipur Experiencing Severe Flooding in June 2025?

The flooding crisis in Manipur is a result of persistent and unseasonably intense monsoon rains, which began in late May and continued through the first weekend of June. According to IMD’s June 1 update, several northeastern states are under red alert due to high cumulative rainfall and the likelihood of cloudbursts, river overflow, and landslides. Manipur’s terrain—marked by steep hills, fragile soil, and rapidly urbanizing lowlands—has made it particularly vulnerable to flash floods.

Officials from the Manipur State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) confirmed that the region had received over 220 mm of rainfall in less than 72 hours, a figure well above normal for this period. Rivers such as the Imphal, Iril, and Thoubal have breached their banks in multiple places, submerging residential neighborhoods, farmlands, and parts of the National Highway 102.

Local administrators have responded by deploying emergency rescue teams in affected zones and opening temporary relief shelters for displaced families. However, access to remote areas remains limited due to damaged roads and ongoing mudslides. State authorities have also suspended classes in schools and advised residents to stay indoors as much as possible.

What Do Officials Say About the Viral Dog Rescue?

While the identity of the man in the video remains unverified, the act has prompted public officials and animal welfare organizations to acknowledge the emotional impact of such moments during large-scale disasters. Speaking to local media, a senior MSDMA official said the incident serves as “a reminder that the human spirit often finds a way to shine even during the darkest times.” Although no formal citation has yet been issued, calls have grown on social media for the man to be recognized for his bravery.

The video was also reposted by verified accounts and mainstream media outlets including NDTV and The Indian Express. These platforms echoed the sentiment that the act of saving the dog offers a much-needed break from the stream of grim updates on flood-related damages and casualties. Animal welfare groups like People for Animals (PFA) Manipur noted that the video underscores the need to include pets and strays in evacuation protocols, something that is often overlooked during relief operations.

How Widespread Is the Damage in Manipur?

As of June 3, damage assessments from MSDMA and local municipalities reveal that over 6,000 people have been displaced across five districts, with at least 1,200 houses partially or fully damaged. Public infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, and electrical grids has suffered significant impact, especially in low-lying urban centers like Imphal and Moreh. Emergency personnel have reported multiple landslides on hilly roads leading into the state from Nagaland and Mizoram.

The Indian Army, Assam Rifles, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in key areas to aid rescue and relief efforts. Helicopters and boats are being used to reach stranded families and distribute essential supplies including drinking water, food packets, and medicines.

In an official briefing, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh emphasized that the government was coordinating closely with the central government to expedite the release of disaster relief funds and to restore connectivity. He also urged citizens to remain calm and follow advisories, noting that the weather system was likely to weaken slightly over the next 48 hours.

How Is Social Media Responding to the Rescue Video?

The viral dog rescue has sparked a wave of emotional reactions online. Comments have poured in from across India, with users describing the unnamed man as a “hero without a cape” and an example of “real courage.” Many also praised the dignity with which the act was performed, with the rescuer taking no visible interest in recognition or attention. As the video continues to be shared widely, hashtags such as #ManipurFloods, #DogRescue, and #HumanityFirst are trending on X and Instagram.

In a broader sense, the clip has drawn national attention back to Manipur—a state that has seen sporadic coverage in mainstream Indian media despite ongoing unrest, ethnic tensions, and humanitarian challenges over the past year. In this light, the rescue video not only provides a rare moment of joy but also serves as a prompt for deeper public engagement with the region’s plight.

Are Natural Disasters Like This Becoming More Frequent in Northeast India?

Yes, experts suggest that climate-induced extreme weather events are increasing in both frequency and severity in India’s northeast. The region, which includes Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh, has witnessed a rise in flood intensity over the last decade. Data from the Ministry of Earth Sciences indicates that rainfall patterns have become more erratic, with longer dry spells punctuated by intense rainfall events that overwhelm natural drainage systems and infrastructure.

Urban development in fragile ecological zones, combined with deforestation and poor solid waste management, further exacerbates the flooding risk. In Manipur, construction near riverbanks and wetlands has been identified as a major contributor to flood vulnerability. The current crisis, experts argue, is not merely the result of a “natural” event but also a function of systemic urban planning failures and insufficient climate resilience planning.

What’s Next for Manipur as Floods Continue?

As of June 3 evening, IMD forecasts suggest moderate to heavy rainfall will continue through June 5, after which the monsoon system may begin shifting westward. Authorities are racing against time to restore access to remote villages and to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks. Health officials have begun deploying mobile medical teams, while local NGOs are distributing sanitary supplies to prevent infections.

At the policy level, there are growing calls for the Manipur government to reevaluate its flood mitigation strategy. This includes building embankments, enhancing early warning systems, and integrating animal evacuation protocols into state disaster preparedness plans. Meanwhile, citizen-led initiatives, such as the rescue captured in the now-viral video, continue to offer moments of inspiration and resolve.

In the days ahead, attention will likely shift toward long-term recovery and rehabilitation. For now, however, the viral video stands as a simple but profound testament to the power of individual acts of compassion—and the resilience of a people who, despite adversity, continue to care for every life in danger.