Mon worst hit; emergency centres activated across state as roads cave in, towns flood and rescue operations continue
Kohima, July 20: Nagaland has been placed on high alert after relentless monsoon rain triggered devastating landslides, flash floods and widespread inundation across the state, leaving nine people feared dead in Mon district and disrupting road connectivity in several districts.
The worst devastation was reported from Mon district headquarters, where torrential rain triggered landslides and flash floods that swept away houses and buried several people under debris. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of three women and one man, while five others remain missing, taking the reported death toll to nine.
In Naginimora, four people sustained grievous injuries after being trapped beneath landslide debris. Rescue personnel managed to pull all four to safety and they are undergoing treatment.
The relentless downpour has also inundated Tizit town, while authorities reported landslides at 10 locations across Mon district, cutting off roads and hampering rescue and relief operations. Fresh reports of damage have also emerged from Namsa, Lapa Lampong, Naginimora and Wakching, raising concerns that the scale of destruction could increase.
Amid the worsening situation, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), under the Home Department, directed all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to activate their District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) and remain on round-the-clock alert.
District administrations have been instructed to closely monitor vulnerable locations, maintain constant communication with field agencies, assess damage, and ensure immediate rescue and relief wherever required.
The advisory comes as several districts reported flash floods, waterlogging and landslides, with roads blocked and normal life disrupted. Authorities fear continued rainfall could trigger fresh slope failures and cause rivers and streams to swell further.
Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak expressed concern over the unfolding crisis and appealed to people to remain vigilant.
“Nature’s fury has taken a toll across different parts of Nagaland. I extend my solidarity to all those affected and pray that God continues to watch over us, granting everyone strength and safety as we stand united to overcome these challenging times,” she said in a post on X.
She urged residents to make use of the NSDMA State Emergency Operations Centre in case of emergencies. The helpline numbers are 0370-2270129 and 0370-2270130.
The MP said reports of rain-related damage were continuing to pour in from various parts of Mon district, particularly Tizit, Namsa, Lapa Lampong, Naginimora and Wakching, and appealed to people to avoid unnecessary travel.
With heavy rain continuing across Nagaland, disaster management officials have advised residents living in landslide-prone hill slopes and low-lying areas to stay alert, follow official advisories and report emergencies immediately.
Emergency teams remain on standby across the state as authorities brace for more rain and the possibility of further landslides and flash floods over the coming days.
