Correspondent
DIMAPUR/WOKHA, JUL 20 (NPN): Continuous heavy rainfall triggered multiple landslides across Wokha district damaging several houses and forcing authorities to place vulnerable areas on alert amid concerns over further slope failures.
A major landslide struck Wokha PWD Colony on Sunday morning, leaving a newly constructed house on the verge of collapse. Although no casualties were reported as the house was unoccupied, the landslide completely washed away the retaining wall supporting the property. Deep cracks have also developed on the hillside, raising concerns over additional slope failure.
At Forest Colony, Wokha, three houses were completely damaged after a landslide triggered by incessant rainfall rendered the structures unsafe for habitation.
Another landslide was reported from Lakhuti village, where four households sustained damage following torrential rain. Two pigs belonging to a resident were buried under the debris. As a precaution, authorities have placed households located above the landslide zone on high alert while assessment of the total property damage is underway.
Landslides have also been reported from several other villages and localities across the district due to the continuing rainfall.
While no human casualties have been reported so far, residents remain on alert as persistent rain continues to pose the threat of fresh landslides and slope failures. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
Meanwhile, Englan village has been without electricity for the past 16 days after its transformer was damaged by lightning during a thunderstorm on July 4.
According to villagers, the lightning strike also damaged the electrical wiring of three to four households. They said the prolonged outage has severely affected daily life as most essential activities depend on electricity.
The villagers informed that the damaged transformer has been taken by the Power Department for repairs and appealed for its early restoration, saying the prolonged outage has disrupted normal life.
A similar situation was reported in Riphyim and Yikhum villages, where power supply was disrupted after electrical infrastructure was damaged. However, electricity has since been restored in both villages.
Meanwhile, power supply in Chukitong area and Akuk village was also disrupted after landslides and falling trees damaged power infrastructure during the recent heavy rainfall.
Speaking to Nagaland Post, a Power Department official in Wokha expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and said several transformers across the state had been damaged due to the adverse weather. The official said restoration was being carried out in phases as repairing transformers was a time-consuming process, but assured that every effort was being made to restore power supply at the earliest.
Regarding the outage in Chukitong, the official said continuous landslides had prevented personnel from accessing the affected site. Restoration work would begin once the area became accessible, and power supply was expected to be restored in a few more days.
Meanwhile, in view of the ongoing monsoon season and forecast of heavy rainfall, district administrations across Nagaland have issued public advisories urging citizens to remain alert and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent rain related disasters.
Shamator: Following three days of incessant rainfall that triggered landslides, flooding and damage to public infrastructure, the District Administration, Shamator, has issued a public advisory under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, urging citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to safety measures.
Heavy landslides have cut off the town pipeline and several roads, including the Shamator main road and Chessore–Agunato road. Reports also indicated loss of paddy fields in Y. Anner Village at Kebeak, Chessore area, while landslides between Chessore–Shamator have disrupted connectivity.
Deputy Commissioner and chairman, DDMA Shamator, Arikumba, cautioned the public to stay alert and advised residents to keep updated on weather forecasts, avoid flooded areas, exercise caution while travelling, and refrain from night travel during the monsoon season. Citizens were further urged to stay away from electrical power lines, extend assistance to vulnerable individuals, and report emergencies such as landslides, flooding, road damage or fallen trees to the District Control Room (DEOC) at 7005092299. Emergency contacts include SDO (C) at 7085030301, EAC HQ at 7005103148, DPA, DDMA at 7005092299, Chessore Sub Division SDO (C) at 8787829986, SEOC Help Desk at 0370 2270129 / 0370 2270130, and helplines 1070 (Toll free) and 112 (ERSS).
Kohima: Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, DDMA Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, cautioned the public against venturing near riverbanks, overflowing drains and streams. Citizens were advised to avoid non essential travel during torrential rainfall and stay away from landslide prone areas. In case of emergencies, the public may contact DDMA Kohima at 9436282824 / 9436449770 or State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) helpline numbers: 1070 (Toll Free), 112 (Emergency Response Support System), and 0370-2270129/30 (SEOC Help Desk).
Dimapur: DC and Chairman, DDMA Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, flooded areas, weak structures and fallen trees. Motorists were advised to exercise caution and avoid crossing flooded roads. Citizens were asked to keep emergency items ready and follow official weather updates. For emergencies, SDRF may be contacted at 9856302919 or DDMA control room at 8131924008.
Tseminyu: DC Japheth Woch, directed departments, village councils and disaster management authorities to prioritise safety, monitor vulnerable locations, and keep emergency response teams on standby. Fishing and swimming in swollen rivers were prohibited. Emergencies may be reported to DEOC Tseminyu at 7827051943.
Kiphire: ADC & CEO DDMA Kiphire, Longdiba L. Sangtam, advised residents to avoid landslide prone slopes, watch for warning signs, and refrain from crossing flooded streams. Citizens were urged to keep emergency kits ready. For assistance, DEOC Kiphire may be contacted at +918732093078 or SEOC helplines 0370 2270129/30 and 1070.
Tuensang: DC Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa cautioned against flooding, landslides and erosion along riverbanks. Citizens were advised to avoid unnecessary travel, exercise caution on hilly roads, and move to safer locations if required. Emergencies may be reported to DEOC Tuensang at 9612592810.
Naginimora: In view of incessant rainfall and rising water levels causing severe flooding in Naginimora Sub Division, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Naginimora has issued a travel advisory prohibiting all movement of pedestrians, two wheelers, light and heavy vehicles across the Dikhu Bridge connecting Naginimora and Longleng until further orders. The bridge has been severely affected by floodwaters and is at risk of collapse. Citizens violating the advisory will do so at their own risk and may face action under relevant provisions of law. For emergency assistance, the public may contact the ADC office at 9615671064 / 9383013379.
DDMA Mon: District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mon has issued a separate advisory in view of continued heavy rainfall, landslides in multiple locations and flooding in parts of Tizit and Naginimora Sub Division. Citizens were advised to avoid venturing into flooded or landslide prone areas, refrain from unnecessary travel, closely monitor weather updates and ensure the safety of children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities. Emergencies such as landslides, flooding or persons in distress may be reported to DDMA Mon at 8974086492 or to the nearest Administrative Office, Police Station or Emergency Response Team.