Aftermath of Dimapur flood sparks health fears

As flood waters recede at several low-lying areas of Dimapur, residents are now faced with new and equally serious threat- emergence of post-flood diseases such as dengue, malaria, skin infections, and various waterborne illnesses.
Residents in worst inundated areas such as- Medical Colony, Nagarjan, Burma Camp, and parts of Dhobinala- spent sleepless nights as the waters entered homes, damaged furniture and food supplies, and left behind stagnant water, which could become breeding grounds water borne diseases.
According to the District Health officials, Dimapur reported 88 dengue cases in 2025 as of early July, compared to just three cases during the same period in 2024 (Nagaland IPR, 2025). Although the numbers are still below the peak of 2023, when Dimapur recorded more than 2,000 dengue cases, health officials are concerned that the situation could worsen in the coming weeks.
Doctors and community health workers are also witnessing a steady rise in patients suffering from diarrhea, skin infections, typhoid, and leptospirosis. These are often triggered by drinking water contaminated by floodwater or consumption of unsafe drinking water. In some areas rainwater contaminated with sewage has caused outbreak of gastrointestinal diseases which are becoming common.
The situation is also reported in Medical Colony, where hospital and household waste is reportedly openly dumped into nearby drains. In one part of the colony, residents say medical waste, plastic bottles, and food wrappers were floating in the main nullah.
Blocked drainage and dirty water spilt entered homes and compounds, causing damage and posing serious health hazards.
A resident, who grew up in the colony, said: “The drains are too narrow and mostly covered. That makes it difficult for cleaning. People are careless and throw everything in the drain – from diapers to leftover food to hospital waste. It’s no surprise that we’re facing floods and now a health scare.”
The post-flood environment in Dimapur has created ideal conditions for the spread of several diseases, particularly those linked to poor sanitation.
According to recent figures from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), as of early July 2025, there have been 736 reported cases of diarrhea, 312 cases of typhoid, 620 cases of skin infections, and 33 cases of leptospirosis in Dimapur. In 2024, during the corresponding period there were 850 cases of diarrhea, 390 cases of typhoid, 740 cases of skin infections, and 42 of leptospirosis (IDSP Nagaland, 2024).
In 2023, the numbers were even higher; with 1,145 diarrhea cases, 488 typhoid cases, 960 skin infections, and 64 cases of leptospirosis (IDSP Nagaland, 2023).
The figures indicate that monsoon poses significant risk to public health, especially if preventive measures are not intensified in the weeks ahead. Public health experts have also noted that many cases go unreported in rural and suburban zones due to lack of awareness or access to health facilities.
The rise in infections is not just limited to urban Dimapur. According to a release by the Niuland District Administration reported in sections of the media, incessant rains have caused severe flooding across over 70 villages, displacing thousands and damaging homes, fishery ponds, and farmland. Roads have been rendered impassable in several locations, cutting off villages from access to essential supplies including food and medical aid.
In many rural households, people were forced to rely on untreated water from contaminated wells and rivers due to damaged pipelines and borewells, further increasing the risk of illness.