The recent landslides that struck Longleng District have left behind a trail of destruction on a scale rarely witnessed in recent times. What began with incessant rains soon turned into a major disaster, cutting off the entire district from the rest of the State.
Roads connecting Longleng to neighbouring districts were either washed away, severely damaged or blocked by massive landslides. Even internal village roads were not spared. In many places, roads simply disappeared beneath mud, rocks and debris, leaving several villages completely cut off.
The situation was particularly critical during the initial days. With roads blocked in every direction, the movement of people and essential supplies came to a standstill. The disruption of road connectivity was followed by damage to telecommunication and internet services, further isolating the district from the outside world.
But Longleng did not remain helpless.
From the very first day, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Longleng, was fully activated. The District Administration, under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner, Longleng, Shri W. Manpai Phom, NCS, and SP Longleng, Shri Yanger Jamir, NPS, along with civil society organisations led by the Phom People’s Council (PPC), Founder Chairman & Team Leader of LEMSACHENLOK, Dr. Y. Nuklu Phom, and the Public Works Department, began working round the clock.
With limited resources and extremely difficult terrain, every available resource in the district was mobilised. Men, machinery and manpower were deployed wherever possible. Roads were cleared, damaged stretches were opened and essential connectivity was gradually restored.
A Lifeline from the Skies
When the roads were at their worst and several parts of the district remained inaccessible, the skies became a lifeline for the people of Longleng.
The Indian Air Force helicopter and the Nagaland State Transport (NST) helicopter played a crucial role during the most difficult phase of the disaster. Essential goods and supplies were air-dropped in areas where road connectivity was completely disrupted, providing much-needed relief to people who could not be reached by road.
The helicopters also airlifted students and passengers, helping people who were stranded or unable to travel because of the extensive damage to the road network. For many, these helicopter services were not merely a means of transportation—they were a vital connection to the outside world at a time when normal connectivity had virtually collapsed.
The timely support from the air operations brought hope and relief to the people of Longleng during one of the most challenging periods of the disaster.
The task, however, has been enormous
Through continuous and determined efforts, several essential roads have been partially restored, bringing some relief to the people. Yet, the crisis is far from over.
Even today, one or two villages under Yongya Circle and four to five villages under Namsang Circle remain cut off from the rest of the district.
Telecommunication and internet services, which were badly disrupted, have also been partially restored after sustained efforts. However, connectivity remains fragile in several areas.
The impact of the disaster is being felt most severely by ordinary people. Students are struggling to travel to schools and colleges, patients face difficulties in reaching health facilities, and the movement of essential goods and services remains challenging . For many families living in remote villages, everyday life continues to be a struggle.
Longleng is therefore still reeling under the pressure of returning to normalcy. The roads may be slowly reopening, but the scars of the disaster remain visible everywhere. The damage to roads and other essential infrastructure will require considerable time, resources and sustained intervention to fully restore.
The spirit of Longleng
Yet, amidst the devastation, one thing has stood out—the collective determination and resilience of the people of Longleng.
The District Administration, line departments, security agencies, medical department, civil society organisations and the public have come together, working tirelessly with whatever resources are available. From clearing roads and restoring communication to mobilising machinery, arranging essential supplies and facilitating air operations, every possible effort has been made to keep the district moving.
The disaster has tested Longleng severely. But it has also demonstrated the strength, unity and resilience of its people.
Longleng is not yet back to normal. The road to recovery is long and difficult. There is much more work to be done, and the district will need continued support and sustained intervention in the days ahead.
But Longleng has endured.
And with continued collective effort, support and determination, this resilient district will rise again.
Thungchanbemo Tungoe, NCS
ADC, Longleng
Wednesday, August 26, 2026