Kohima: Dimapur Airport returned to normal service Sunday. Flights resumed a day after heavy rain and flooding forced the facility to ground all operations. The Airports Authority of India confirmed three arrivals and three departures on August 9. These flights carried 1,102 passengers, including 549 arrivals and 553 departures. All commercial activity stopped on August 8 due to the severe weather.
More rain is coming. The Meteorological Centre in Kohima predicts heavy rainfall across Dimapur, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng, Zunheboto, Tuensang, and Kohima. These areas face 7 to 11 cm of rain over a 24-hour period. Wokha and Mokokchung will see it worse. Forecasters expect 12 to 20 cm of very heavy rain there. The weather service warned of poor visibility, landslides, and flash floods.
The District Disaster Management Authority in Dimapur issued a clear warning to the public. Officials told residents to watch for rising water and avoid unnecessary travel. Electrocution risks remain high. The agency stated, "Residents have also been cautioned to stay away from electrical poles, wires, transformers, inverters and other electrical installations in or near flooded areas to avoid the risk of electrocution." Heavy downpours may also damage crops and vulnerable structures throughout the region.
Updated at 10th August 2026 at 9:48am
Airport Director Moa Pongen attributed the closure to an abnormal 111 mm of rainfall on Saturday. While the runway was cleared by late Saturday afternoon, the site sits in a low-lying zone prone to flooding. Pongen confirmed that the Airports Authority of India has formally requested a drainage system overhaul to handle future deluges, and state water resources officials have already inspected the site.
The latest weather forecast now explicitly warns of road damage, traffic snarls, and the threat to maturing crops caused by the incoming heavy rain.
Comments