Photo Courtesy: nenews
Kohima: A landslide crushed a rented home in Upper Penli Ward, Mokokchung, early Wednesday, killing two teenage brothers. The tragedy struck near the Sangtam Baptist Church pastor's residence between 12:30 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. as heavy rain triggered a retaining wall collapse.
The victims were Muwalong Sangtam, 19, and Thridiba Sangtam, 16. Both were students at Queen Mary Higher Secondary School. They were sons of Merenba Sangtam from Alisopur village. The brothers had recently returned to town for the start of school on July 28.
The house gave way while the family slept. The eldest son heard a noise outside and stepped out just before the slope collapsed, trapping the others. Neighbors pulled the mother and one son from the mud before SDRF personnel arrived. A team of 23 responders, led by Company Commander Lanutemjen, worked for hours in unstable conditions. They recovered the bodies of the brothers at 5:30 a.m. The mother survived and is currently receiving medical care.
Residents evacuated three nearby homes due to the risk of further slides. Queen Mary Higher Secondary School closed on Wednesday to honor the students. Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton expressed his sorrow over the incident. He stated, "My thoughts immediately go to the grieving family who must now endure this immense pain."
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Mokokchung confirmed the deaths and extended condolences to the family. Community members gathered at the Sangtam Baptist Church compound for a final prayer service. The family then transported the remains to Alisopur village for burial.
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