Photo Courtesy: nagalandpost
Kohima: Incessant monsoon rains have triggered catastrophic landslides and flash floods across Nagaland, killing nine people in Mon district alone. Four individuals remain missing as rescue teams continue to comb through mud and debris. The disaster, which began July 19, has turned residential areas into burial sites and severed lifelines across the state.
Mon district serves as the epicenter of the crisis. Five fatalities occurred at Shantham Ward in Mon town, while four people were swept away by flash floods in Naginimora. Local authorities report extensive damage to property and livestock, including the loss of 11 mithuns, 13 cattle, and three pigs in Mon. Across other districts, Shamator, Tuensang, Zunheboto, Mokokchung, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak, Wokha, and Meluri have also reported widespread landslides and structural damage.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio visited the affected Defence Colony in Mon town on July 20 to assess the carnage. Describing the tragedy as “uncertain and unfortunate,” Rio handed over Rs 10 lakh to the Konyak Union for immediate emergency use. The state government has also released Rs 70 lakh under the State Disaster Response Fund to cover ex gratia payments and housing relief.
Infrastructure failure has left Mon town isolated. Landslides blocked critical routes including Tizit, Naginimora, Sonari, Wakching, and Aboi. Power supply suffered after a 66kV transmission line developed an earth fault near Tiru village. The Konyak Union reports that 950 houses were damaged and jhum cultivation fields in Wakching have been devastated, threatening local food security. The union is demanding urgent agricultural subsidies and the immediate deployment of machinery to clear road blockages.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has issued a four-day weather alert through July 24, warning of continued thunderstorms and lightning. Officials have established helpdesks to coordinate relief. Residents can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre at 0370-2270129 or 0370-2270130 for assistance. The government urges the public to avoid vulnerable slopes and follow official advisories as the monsoon continues to test the state’s resilience.
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