At least 5 feared dead as monsoon continues to pound Nagaland

NSDMA reports widespread damage to infrastructure, crops, and properties across state

Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | July 4

Heavy rainfall due to the ongoing southwest monsoon has caused widespread destruction, including fatalities and damage to infrastructure, crops, and properties across Nagaland. 

According to official assessment provided by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), at least five individuals are feared drowned in recent extreme weather events, including two children.  The bodies of three victims have been recovered so far. 

The first human casualty occurred in Tuensang on June 28, where two boys from Kejok village under Sangsangyu block of Tuensang district were swept away at Ayong nullah. One boy’s body was retrieved on the same day. 

However, despite ongoing search efforts until July 3, the body of the second boy has not been sighted, prompting the NSDMA to call off the operation with consent from the deceased’s father and all involved parties.

In another tragic incident at Nsonji Lake in Tseminyu district on June 30, a soldier on vacation lost his life after reportedly getting stuck in mud and weeds while rescuing a drowning friend. 

The search and rescue mission, involving the NDRF, DDMA Tseminyu, and local volunteers, successfully recovered the body around 4:40 pm on July 1.
On June 29, a youth was swept away in the Dzuvuru stream in Kohima district. 

Despite a five-day search and rescue operation by DDMA Kohima, SDRF, and local volunteers, the body has not been located, the Authority reported.

The  DDMA Wokha and Zunheboto have also been alerted regarding incidents, with ongoing search operations in Zunheboto’s Lazami area and Doyang Dam area in Wokha district, assisted by villages upstream of Doyang River, it said. 

In Noklak district, a man was swept away by strong water currents at Nguhaiu, between Saddle and Noklak on July 1. DDMA Noklak and local volunteers conducted a search operation and recovered the body around 8 pm the same day.

Meanwhile, the Engineer-in-charge has restored one-way traffic on the damaged road between Mangangkhi and Yangli in Tuensang. 

However, due to unstable land above the road, mud clearing is ongoing with assistance from the short-term maintenance contract (STMC) team, as per NSDMA.

Numerous landslides affecting human habitation were reported in Mokokchung district.

The continuous rains have also caused damage to public infrastructure and properties in various areas of Kiphire district, prompting evacuations of several families. The affected location included Forest Ward, Medical Ward, Kiphire-Amahator road, Kiza Colony and Jail ward.

Several landslides and road blockages were also reported in Fakim/Tsundang area, Pungro sub-division, and between Sitimi and Shisimi, affecting connectivity in several places.

In addition, landslides cut off the route to Thanamir and caused severe soil erosion at Thusangki River near Kiphire HQ, damaging paddy fields. 
Another rockslide between Khongjiri and Mimi was also reported.

In Noklak district, landslides were reported from Punyaongan Ward 4, Punyaongan region, Sanglao village, and along roads between Chingmei and Noklak and Nokak-Saddle road, due to incessant rain.

Zunheboto district saw several houses destroyed by landslides at DC Hill West, while Zhavame village in Phek reported damage to paddy fields from flash floods.

In Shamator district, the NSDMA reported partial destruction of Shiponger and Muksuke bridges between Chessore and Y Anner by a flash flood on July 2, along with large landslides and mudslides from multiple locations.

Peren district reported landslides at Tening-Nsong road, with debris clearance underway by DDMA Peren and concerned departments. 

Meanwhile, the NSDMA, Home Department said it is still compiling damage reports from various locations. 

Given the ongoing extreme weather condition, it also urged vigilance and preparedness from District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and line departments.

With rising water levels in many rivers due to continuous rainfall, the NSDMA advised the public against fishing, picnicking, and similar activities during the monsoon season for safety reasons.

Incessant rain caused soil erosion and damaged paddy fields at Thusangki River, Kiphire district on July 2. (DIPR Photo)

IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted continued heavy rainfall in isolated locations in Nagaland until July 5, with an extended forecast indicating ‘widespread rainfall’ activity across the State till July 9.

‘Heavy to very heavy rainfall’ is likely at isolated places on July 4 and 5 (Orange Alert), while the intensity is expected to recede to isolated ‘heavy rainfall’ on July 6 and 7 (Yellow Alert), as per an evening update by the IMD on July 3.

Localised district-wise update from IMD’s Meteorological Centre Kohima on X (formerly Twitter) stated that Tuensang (including Noklak and Shamator) and Kiphire districts are likely to receive the most rain in the coming days, with an Orange Alert (Be Prepared) issued for July 4 and 5. Kohima district has been issued an Orange alert for July 4.

The intensity of rain is expected to diminish after July 5, with a ‘Yellow’ (Be updated) alert issued for most districts for the following two days.