(Top) Houses damaged by a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall in Mon town on July 19. The landslide claimed at least eight lives and caused extensive damage to houses and other property, as search and rescue operations continued involving the NSDMA, SDRF, DDMA, District Administration, Police and other agencies. (Bottom, left to right) A road stretch leading to Shamator blocked by a landslide; residents attempt to retrieve a vehicle from a waterlogged area in Tuli; and a house damaged by a landslide in Wokha. (Photos: Special Arrangement)
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At least eight deaths officially confirmed
Morung Express News
Dimapur | July 19
Incessant rainfall wreaked havoc across Nagaland on Sunday, triggering deadly landslides, flash floods and road blockages, with Mon bearing the brunt of the devastation while Mokokchung, Shamator and Wokha also reporteed significant disruptions
At least eight people were officially confirmed dead following a landslide in Mon town, while flooding and landslides disrupted normal life and connectivity in Mokokchung, Shamator and Wokha.
Accordingly, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) directed all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to remain vigilant and activate their respective District Emergency Operations Centres.
Widespread devastation in Mon
In Mon town, a landslide struck a residential area below the Assam Rifles camp resulting in multiple fatalities. As per the State DIPR, the landslide incident occurred at around 06: 30 AM.
Mon Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak confirmed eight deaths, with four bodies recovered and four still buried under the debris. He said the possibility of additional casualties could not be ruled out as search operations were still in progress.
Personnel from the Nagaland Police, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), DDMA and other agencies were engaged in search and rescue operations.
Power supply in the affected area was disrupted, affecting communication, while local volunteers joined security personnel and rescue teams in the ongoing operations.
Although relief camps were set up by the district administration, most displaced families reportedly opted to stay with relatives.
Earlier, reports circulating on social media claimed that a cluster of around 10 to 15 houses had been damaged or washed away by landslides. However, the reports could not be independently verified, and district authorities had not officially confirmed the number of houses affected or the locations involved.
Meanwhile, at least four persons were feared missing after being swept away by flash floods at Naganimora. Details regarding their status remained unconfirmed at the time of filing this report.
The Konyak Union described the situation in Mon as a “catastrophe” and urged the State Government to declare an emergency and take immediate measures.
It put the death toll at nine and said over 150 households had been displaced across the district. Mon district has been “totally cut off,” with road connectivity to several subdivisions and villages blocked and some areas inaccessible, it added.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Government announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 74,000 to each injured person. It also announced relief assistance, including food, temporary shelter, essential commodities and other eligible support for affected families.
Flooding hits Tuli
In Mokokchung’s Tuli subdivision, flooding, waterlogging and landslides affected several localities, while two schools were designated as relief shelters as a precautionary measure.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Tuli, Imsenperong said no deaths, injuries or missing persons had been reported as of Sunday evening.
Police personnel assisted residents of waterlogged houses, while some affected families moved in with relatives.
Affected areas included Tulikong and Shitikolak in the 17 Mile area, and Mendenti and Tuliyong in the 18 Mile area. Low-lying areas between 17 Mile and 18 Mile were also flooded as the Milak River rose sharply following hours of rainfall.
The Tuli Police Station, Government Primary School at Shitikolak Ward and Community Health Centre, Tuli were among the institutions affected by waterlogging, though no serious damage was reported.
Meanwhile, PWD (NH) officials reported landslides at around 20 to 25 locations in and around Mokokchung, including four major slides along the Mokokchung–Tuli road.
Two landslides between Merangkong and Tuli were reported to be the most serious, with heavy machinery deployed for clearance work.
The district administration has activated emergency control room. The public has been urged to immediately report any distress, flooding, or landslides to the District DDMA Mokokchung at 6009479721, or contact the nearest Administrative Office, Police Station, or Emergency Response Team.
The District Administration is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures," Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma assured in a statement, urging citizens have been requested to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and strictly avoid spreading unverified information or rumours.
Shamator connectivity disrupted
In Shamator district, landslides affected three key road stretches: the Shamator–Tuensang National Highway; Shamator NAP Ward–Kiphire National Highway; and the PMGSY road connecting Shamator to Chessore subdivision and onward to Aghunato in Zunheboto district.
Road clearance operations were initiated in collaboration with the National Highways wing of the PWD.
However, the Shamator NAP Ward–Kiphire road could not be immediately restored as it had been completely cut off. No fatalities or injuries were reported.
Mudslides, landslides reported in Wokha
In Wokha district, multiple mudslides along the Doyang–Merapani road left several stretches covered with mud, rocks and debris, disrupting traffic. Motorists were advised to exercise caution while travelling along the affected stretches.
At Etsuchukha Colony in Wokha, a landslide severely eroded the area surrounding a residential house. Although the house had not sustained structural damage, the unstable ground prompted the colony council to advise the family to temporarily evacuate.
Meanwhile, continuous heavy rainfall triggered another landslide that damaged a house at Lakhuti Village in Wokha district on Sunday. No casualties or injuries were reported.
The DDMA Wokha issued a public advisory urging resident to remain vigilant due to the possibility of flooding, landslides, mudslides and damage to public infrastructure. The district administration is closely monitoring the situation and has activated necessary response mechanisms to ensure public safety, it assured.
All districts put on alert
Against the backdrop of the widespread damage, the NSDMA directed DDMAs to prioritise life safety and evacuate residents from severely waterlogged, low-lying and landslide-prone areas.
In case of emergencies, the public can contact the State Emergency Operation Centre at 1070, emergency number 112, or the SEOC Help Desk at 0370-2270129/30.
(With inputs from The Morung Express reporters across Nagaland)
