Kohima: Nagaland is grappling with the devastating impact of incessant monsoon downpours, leading to widespread destruction and disruption across several districts. The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has confirmed extensive damage to homes, vital road networks, bridges, breast walls, as well as agricultural lands including paddy fields and jhum cultivation. Multiple rivers are reportedly overflowing their banks, triggering flash floods that have inundated low-lying areas.
In Dimapur, the commercial hub, floodwaters have swamped numerous colonies. Areas like SM Colony, Ragailong, Namgalong, Super Market, K Sachu, Ekhyoyan Village, Walford, and Model Colony in Purana Bazaar have been particularly affected. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Dimapur has swiftly established relief camps to shelter the displaced, while dedicated teams from Home Guards (HG), Civil Defence (CD), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in critical search and rescue operations.
Chumoukedima district mirrors the grim situation, with reports of flooding impacting localities such as Tenyiphe, Chekiye, Virazouma, Singrijan, Khopanala, Sovima, and villages situated near the 173rd CRPF Camp. Public infrastructure across the district has also suffered significant damage due to the continuous rainfall.
Niuland district has not been spared, witnessing widespread flooding in villages including Kuhuboto, New Showuba, Nizhevi, Lotovi, Suhoi, Nihokhu, Hovishe, Ghokuto, Toshiho, Khehoyi, and Anato. In the state capital, Kohima, a major retaining wall below the Civil Secretariat crumbled, causing damage to vehicles and severing crucial road access to key government offices. Waterlogging in various parts of the town has further compounded the challenges faced by residents.
Road connectivity across the state has been severely hampered by numerous landslides. In Mon district, a vital road linking to Longleng was completely cut off at Yongam Village on July 4. Meanwhile, Wokha district reported flash floods in Chanka village, which tragically destroyed valuable paddy fields. Mokokchung district has also experienced significant landslides, particularly in Changki and Longkong villages, damaging main roads and disrupting essential water pipelines.
Tuensang district is facing an acute crisis, with National Highway-202 entirely cut off at Chare Town. DDMA teams in Tuensang have been instrumental in assisting stranded and ailing individuals by facilitating their transport. The road connecting Chare to Mokokchung is also blocked at multiple locations, and concerns are mounting over a bailey bridge on this route, which is reportedly on the verge of collapse due to the relentless current of the overflowing river.
As the India Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall, the NSDMA remains on high alert, navigating what is being described as one of the most intense monsoon spells to hit Nagaland in recent years. The collective efforts of various agencies are crucial as the state strives to manage the escalating crisis and provide succour to the affected populace.
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