SRDF personnel and others engage in a rescue operations following a landslide incident at Mon Town on July 19. (DIPR Photo)
• Chief Minister announces an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh
• Shamator roads cut off; flooding reported in Tuli
• All departments directed to be on ‘high alert’
Morung Express News
Dimapur/Mon | July 19
Three bodies have been recovered and at least four persons are feared missing following landslides and flash floods in Mon district, as incessant rainfall wreaked havoc across Nagaland on Sunday.
Road connectivity to Shamator district was also disrupted by landslides, while similar incidents were reported from various locations across the State. Flooding was also reported in Tuli Sub-division under Mokokchung district.
According to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mon, three bodies have been recovered so far.
Meanwhile, four persons were swept away by flash floods at Naganimora, an official told The Morung Express.
District Project Assistant (DPA), DDMA Mon, W Shejeang informed that the DDMA has not yet received complete details from the affected areas, as communication with rescue teams has been disrupted due to poor network connectivity.
The identities of the deceased, the status of the four missing persons and the full extent of the damage could not be confirmed immediately.
Reports circulating on social media claimed that landslides had affected several locations in Mon district, with around 10 to 15 houses reportedly damaged or washed away.
However, district authorities said they could not independently verify the claims till the filing of this report.
This is a developing report and will be updated accordingly.
Search and rescue operations involving the Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Nagaland Police and other agencies are underway in the affected areas, officials said.
Authorities said a clearer assessment of the situation is expected once communication with field teams is restored.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall triggered landslides at three road stretches in Shamator district, disrupting connectivity and leaving travellers stranded.
DDMA Shamator DPA Richard Thong said the affected stretches include the Shamator-Tuensang National Highway, the Shamator NAP Ward-Kiphire National Highway and the PMGSY road connecting Shamator to Chessore subdivision, which further links to Aghunato in Zunheboto district.
The landslides are believed to have occurred overnight due to continuous rainfall, although reports reached district authorities only on Sunday, he said.
Road clearance operations have begun in coordination with the National Highways wing of the Public Works Department (PWD). However, the Shamator NAP Ward-Kiphire road cannot be restored immediately as it has been completely cut off, Thong said.
The DDMA said it has not received reports of damage to houses or other structures, though information from remote areas may take time to reach authorities.
Nagaland government announces ex gratia
In a statement, the Nagaland Government expressed grief over the landslide incident in Mon town around 6.30 am on Sunday that claimed lives and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
It further stated that Tuli subdivision in Mokokchung district and other parts of the State have been severely affected by incessant rain, triggering landslides, flash floods, road blockages and damage to public and private infrastructure.
The government said the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), district administrations, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police and other agencies are carrying out search and rescue operations, evacuating vulnerable residents, restoring essential services and providing relief.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has 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, besides relief assistance, including food, temporary shelter, essential commodities and other eligible support for affected families.
The government has directed all departments to remain on high alert, ensure inter-departmental coordination and expedite restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation efforts. It also urged people to avoid vulnerable slopes, riverbanks and landslide-prone areas, follow official advisories and refrain from circulating unverified information.
