Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: The Nagaland government released Rs 70 lakh in immediate relief and ex-gratia payments following a landslide that killed nine people in Mon District. The disaster, which struck on July 19 and 20, also left several people injured and destroyed homes, bridges, and roads. Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak confirmed the funds came from the State Disaster Response Fund to cover compensation for the deceased, medical aid for the injured, and house repairs. Chief Minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio, who toured the sites on July 20, provided an additional Rs 10 lakh to local volunteers, the district hospital, and civil societies assisting in the recovery.
The scale of the destruction triggered an outpouring of support from across the state. The Trojans’ Club Zunheboto donated Rs 25,000 to the Konyak Union on July 22. Club President Hokato Yeptho noted the organization wanted to offer help during the crisis. In a letter regarding the donation, the club stated, "As a token of our love and solidarity, we are contributing Rs 25,000 as a relief fund. Though this amount cannot replace what has been lost, we hope it will provide some support during this difficult time."
Multiple groups, including the Ao Students’ Conference, Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako, the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland, the Naga People’s Front Central Women Wing, and the National People’s Party, expressed grief. They extended solidarity to families in Mon, Tizit, Mokokchung, and Wokha. The National People’s Party highlighted that relying on post-disaster response is insufficient. The party pushed for "robust, pre-emptive planning" and better civil engineering to handle monsoon impacts.
Recovery efforts remain active. The district administration is coordinating with the NSDMA, police, SDRF, 42 Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, and local groups including the Konyak Union, KNSK, and KSU. Officials urged residents to stay alert as the monsoon continues. Citizens must avoid dangerous slopes and follow all weather advisories until normal conditions return.
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