Relentless monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across Nagaland, leading to landslides, flash floods, and widespread infrastructure failure. The situation has prompted urgent responses from both district and state authorities, paralyzing mobility in affected areas. According to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), there has been extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, retaining walls, and agricultural fields, placing several districts in simultaneous crisis due to flooding and land erosion.
In Dimapur, heavy rainfall since the evening of July 5 caused flash floods in multiple low-lying areas. Overflowing drains resulted in severe waterlogging affecting various colonies, including Vilhume, Netaji, Kalibari (Ward 17), and several others that were previously untouched. An emergency meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) convened on July 7 to assess the crisis, leading to resolutions for immediate relief and a commitment to submit a comprehensive report to the Government with proposals for long-term flood mitigation.
Rescue operations initiated by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) began at 5:50 AM on July 6, concentrating on the most affected areas. A team of 25 personnel, including trained divers, utilized a rescue boat to evacuate residents trapped in flooded homes. By the morning of July 7, a total of 844 individuals-including children, elderly, and those in medical distress-were rescued and moved to three relief camps established at BSNL Quarters in Walford, S.M. Colony, and Namgalong Colony. Unfortunately, three fatalities due to electrocution were reported: two in Kuda Village and one in Police Colony. SDRF and DDMA teams continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected residents.
Flooding has also severely impacted the Chümoukedima district, affecting several communities such as Tenyiphe, Chekiye, and areas near the district office. Infrastructure damage has been reported throughout the region. In Niuland district, at least a dozen villages experienced flooding, necessitating close monitoring. Similarly, Wokha district reported flash floods that have devastated extensive paddy fields, with other districts experiencing similar agricultural losses according to preliminary damage assessments by NSDMA.
Landslides have particularly hampered district road links, as seen in Longleng district where a landslide on July 4 blocked the road between Longleng and Mon districts. The Deputy Commissioner, W. Manpai Phom, has urged residents to avoid the route during restoration efforts. Connectivity issues have emerged in Tuensang district after NH-202 was disrupted near Chare Town due to mudslides. The road from Chare to Mokokchung remains blocked at multiple points, and a Bailey bridge on the same route is reportedly at risk of collapse from strong currents. DDMA teams are assisting stranded travelers.
In Kohima, a retaining wall collapsed near the Civil Secretariat, damaging vehicles and obstructing access to various offices, alongside urban flooding reports. In Mokokchung, landslides disrupted water supply and transport in several villages, compounding the transportation challenges.
East Dimapur Town Council raised alarms over encroachments along the sugar mill nalla, which have obstructed natural drainage flows, exacerbating flooding in surrounding areas. District Disaster Management Authorities and local administrations are on high alert, conducting relief distribution, evacuations, and infrastructure assessments throughout affected zones.
The NSDMA is urging residents to stay clear of vulnerable areas, monitor local advisories, and cooperate fully with emergency services. A detailed report on the damage and rehabilitation requirements is being prepared for submission to the Government.
Original Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/landslides-flooding-choke-districts-across-nagaland
Category: Nagaland
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Publish Date: 2025-07-07 22:45:00
