Nagaland govt directs authorities to remain vigilant in view of incessant rainfall triggering devastating landslides
Kohima, July 20
The Government of Nagaland, Home Department, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Kohima, has issued an advisory in the wake of incessant rainfall resulting in devastating landslides, severe flash floods and massive waterlogging throughout the State.
Goverment has directed all District Disaster Management Authorities to remain vigilant and monitor the situation by activating their respective District Emergency Operations Centre.
Further, the DDMAs are also requested to initiate the following measures, as per the advisory.
"Evacuate residents from severely waterlogged, low-lying, and landslide-prone zones (such as unstable embankments and riverbanks)". Authorities also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading unverified rumours on social media to prevent unnecessary panic.
Earlier in the day, at least eight people died, and twelve others were injured following massive landslide incidents that occurred in multiple locations in Nagaland's Mon district.
Wennyei Konyak, Deputy Commissioner of Mon district, told ANI over the phone that so far, four bodies have been recovered, and four others are still under the debris.
"Eight people have died in the landslide incidents triggered by incessant heavy rainfall that occurred in multiple locations in Mon district. The most affected areas are Mon town and Tizit. The heavy rainfall started at around 1 am, and we received information about landslide incidents at around 6-7 am. SDRF, police, Assam Rifles, NDRF teams and locals are engaged in search and rescue operations. So far, we have recovered 4 bodies, including three females and a male, from the debris. 12 others were injured. Search and rescue operations are underway in multiple locations," Wennyei Konyak said.
He further said that several houses were damaged in the landslide incidents.
Meanwhile, BJP Nagaland State President Benjamin Yepthomi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic landslides that claimed lives in Mon district and the landslide that severely affected the Tuli area under Mokokchung district, causing immense suffering to many families.
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic landslides which have claimed precious lives in Mon District and by the landslide that has severely effected Tuli area under Mokokchung District, causing immense suffering to many families," Yepthomi said in a statement.
Extending his condolences, he said, "I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time. I pray that Almighty grants them strength, comfort and courage to endure this irreparable loss. I also pray for the speedy recovery to those who were injured and express my deepest solidarity with all those effected by the devastating disaster."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Eight lives lost... this is just tragic. I really appreciate that the SDRF, NDRF, Assam Rifles, and local communities are all working together in the rescue operations. That kind of coordination is critical in such disasters. But I do hope the state government also focuses on long-term solutions - better drainage systems, reforestation of vulnerable slopes, and proper early warning systems. We cannot prevent every landslide, but we can reduce the damage.
बहुत दुखद खबर (Very sad news). These landslides in Nagaland are a reminder of how climate change is making our monsoon seasons more extreme and unpredictable. The government's advisory is good - especially the point about evacuating people from vulnerable zones. But I wonder if the existing infrastructure in places like Mon district is strong enough to handle such heavy rainfall. We need more investment in disaster-resilient infrastructure in the Northeast.
As someone who works in disaster management, I can see this is a well-structured response - activating Emergency Operations Centres, coordinating multi-agency rescue, public advisories. But the fact that 12 people are still injured and 4 bodies remain under debris shows there's still so much work to do. The heavy rainfall starting at 1 am means people had little warning. Better forecasting and community alert systems could save more lives in future. My thoughts are with Nagaland 🙏
I know that areas like Mon and Tizit are quite remote, and getting heavy machinery there for rescue is a challenge. The fact that locals are helping alongside SDRF and Assam Rifles shows the community spirit in Nagaland 🙌. But I think the government should also declare this a national disaster and release sufficient funds from the National Disaster Response Fund. The devastation is massive - several houses damaged, multiple landslide sites - this is going to need sustained support for months.
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