DIMAPUR, AUG 5 (NPN): Incessant monsoon rains continued to batter Nagaland, triggering floods, landslides, road damage and disruption of connectivity across several districts, while district administrations, District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) and line departments intensified restoration efforts.
In Dimapur, several low-lying localities, including Netaji Colony, Vilhume Colony, Medical Colony, SM Colony and Burma Camp East Block, were inundated. At Vilhume Colony, floodwaters rose about four feet above road level, while the approach bridge to the colony was submerged at the peak of flooding. Residents, however, said the water level later receded.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, said teams from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) carried out field assessments in the affected areas. He added that no official reports of house damage or casualties had been received till the filing of this report.
Landslides were also reported at several stretches along the Dimapur-Kohima national highway. However, authorities promptly cleared the debris, restoring traffic movement.
According to a Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) report, debris along NH-29 near the Dzüdza River has been cleared, restoring traffic movement.
In Chümoukedima, waterlogging was reported in Ward-9, while a section of the road connecting Jharnapani via Molvom was washed away. A road and culvert between New Chümoukedima and Ruzaphema Village also sustained damage. The Khughovi Bridge over the Chathe River has been closed after the river rose to a dangerous level.
Flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall also washed away houses belonging to five families at Diphupar Village ‘L’ Khel. Landowners also reported severe riverbank erosion, claiming nearly half of their land had been lost over the past year due to recurring floods.
The affected families have appealed to the state government for immediate relief and rehabilitation assistance.
Flooding and waterlogging were reported at Kelielwa Colony in Jalukie under Peren district.
In Meluri, floodwaters inundated paddy fields, while flash floods washed away the hanging bridges at Tetsho and Jijirii, disrupting local connectivity.
Speaking over the phone, the chairman of Meluri village said standing paddy crops were devastated, while around 24 handmade embankments (bunds) were washed away. He said several suspension bridges, which served as vital access routes for farmers, were also swept away, cutting off connectivity to agricultural fields.
He further said irrigation pipelines supplying water to paddy fields, along with other water supply lines, were completely destroyed, while roads sustained extensive damage. According to him, the situation worsened around 6.30 a.m. when the river level rose rapidly, sweeping away everything in its path.
Phek district witnessed a landslide between Chizami and Mesulumi and a mudslide near Thuvopisu Village along the Phek–Chozouba Road. Road clearance operations were carried out on the Phek–Chozouba Road via Runguzu Nawu Village, while the blocked stretch between Losami and Phek Village has been reopened.
In Noklak district, DDMA cleared a landslide at the 14-km stretch of the Noklak–Saddle Road. Fresh landslides were also reported along the Tsuwao–Noklak route, where authorities are continuing assessment and restoration work.
Meanwhile, a joint inspection by the District Administration, DDMA and the Roads & Bridges Department in Kiphire found that a retaining wall and the Food & Civil Supplies department staff quarters at Jail Ward had been affected by land instability, posing a potential risk to nearby residents.
NSDMA has advised the public to remain vigilant during the ongoing monsoon season, avoid travelling through flood- and landslide-prone areas unless absolutely necessary, and follow advisories issued by district authorities. Restoration and damage assessment works are continuing in all affected areas, NSDMA added.