SDRF RESCUES 9, SEVERAL RENDERED HOMELESS, FLIGHTS CANCELLED
DIMAPUR, AUG 8 (NPN): Incessant heavy rainfall since early Saturday submerged several parts of Dimapur, causing widespread waterlogging and localised flooding, while waterlogging at the runway of Dimapur Airport led to the cancellation of all scheduled flights for the day.
The exceptionally high volume of surface runoff from upstream and hill catchment areas placed considerable pressure on Dimapur’s downstream drainage network, including major drains, nallahs and natural water channels. Recent drainage clearance works at various locations have improved the flow and discharge capacity of several drainage channels, the DDMA said.
Nine rescued: During the flooding, nine persons, including two children and an elderly person, were safely rescued and evacuated by the SDRF. Four hostellers were rescued from a hostel in River Belt Colony, while five persons stranded in the Holy Cross School area were evacuated to a secure location. The district administration, DDMA and SDRF remained on alert and coordinated with local Colony Councils and community members.
In some locations, residents reported that water levels rose rapidly and areas became inundated within about two to three hours.
The exact number of affected households and population could not be immediately ascertained due to restricted movement and access in certain areas. A detailed assessment will be undertaken once conditions improve.
DDMA attributed the situation primarily to continuous rainfall and substantial surface runoff from upstream and hill catchment areas, resulting in increased inflow into Dimapur’s downstream drainage network.
Several low-lying and flood-vulnerable areas were identified for close monitoring, including River Belt Colony, Holy Cross School area, SM Colony, Vilhume Colony, K Sachu Colony, Zeliangrong Colony, Purana Bazar B, Kuda Village Road near the Fishery Department Gate, NST Colony, Industrial Estate Colony, Public Ground Colony, Nepali Basti near Holy Cross, Niu Colony, Veterinary Colony, Rainbow Colony in Burma Camp, Namgalong Colony, Ragailong Colony, Nesitauo Colony and Medical Colony, among others.
All flights cancelled: All flights operating at Dimapur Airport on Saturday were cancelled following waterlogging on the runway caused by heavy rainfall.
All chopper services and non-scheduled flights operating from Dimapur Airport were also affected and cancelled for the day.
While recent drainage clearance works have enhanced stormwater discharge at several locations, continued rainfall and heavy upstream inflow could further increase pressure on the drainage system.
DMC councillor in-charge of sanitation I Sentinuklu Jamir said encroachment had significantly narrowed drainage channels, worsening Dimapur’s flooding problem.
“Encroachment is the main issue. Drains are becoming smaller and smaller. The population is increasing, and there is expansion everywhere, whereas the drainage streams are getting smaller,” he told Nagaland Post.
He said water levels in several areas appeared higher this year and acknowledged that demolition drives against encroachments had been limited.
Sentinuklu said stronger action largely fell within the district administration’s purview, while major drainage issues required coordination. DDMA, Dimapur, remained on alert and closely monitored low-lying and flood-vulnerable areas amid the continuing rainfall.
Based on reports received by the DDMA, a field assessment was conducted on Saturday led by SDO (Civil), DPA-in-charge Dimapur, with assistance from officials of the DC office, Dobashis and a field investigator attached to the DDMA.
IMD forecasts widespread rain
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura from August 9 to 14, with thunderstorms and lightning likely over the region on August 9-10 and August 12.
IMD has also forecast isolated heavy rainfall over Nagaland and other states on August 9 and again during August 12-14.
Across the wider Northeast, widespread rainfall is likely over Arunachal Pradesh from August 12-14, while Assam and Meghalaya are expected to receive widespread rain on August 9 and during August 12-14. Isolated heavy rainfall is also likely over Arunachal Pradesh during August 11-14 and Assam and Meghalaya during August 9-12.