KOHIMA: The ongoing wrath of southwest monsoon in Nagaland has caused catastrophic floods and landslides, resulting in at least five deaths, including two children, as of Thursday.
According to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), tragic incidents have been reported in various districts.
On June 28, two children from Kejok village in Tuensang district were swept away at Ayong nullah.
Despite relentless search efforts, only one body was recovered on the same day. The search for the second child, extended until July 3, concluded without success.
In Tseminyu district, a soldier lost his life on June 30 while attempting to rescue a friend at Nsonji Lake.
The body was recovered on July 1 through combined efforts of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), DDMA Tseminyu, and local volunteers.
Additional casualties include a youth swept away in the Dzuvuru stream, Kohima district, on June 29, whose body remains unrecovered despite extensive search operations by DDMA Kohima, SDRF, and local volunteers.
Similarly, a man in Noklak district was swept away on July 1, with his body retrieved later that evening by DDMA Noklak and volunteers.
The relentless rains have wreaked havoc on public infrastructure and residential areas across multiple districts.
Landslides have severely affected human habitation in Mokokchung, disrupted connectivity in Fakim/Tsundang and Pungro sub-division, and caused significant erosion and damage to paddy fields near Kiphire HQ and Thusangki River.
In Noklak district, numerous landslides have obstructed key roads, impeding travel and causing additional damage to infrastructure.
Zunheboto district witnessed houses destroyed by landslides at DC Hill West, while Zhavame village in Phek reported substantial damage to paddy fields from flash floods.
Despite formidable challenges, the NSDMA and district authorities are actively involved in relief and rescue operations.
Efforts are underway to clear debris and restore connectivity on critical routes such as Tening-Nsong road in Peren district.
Amid rising water levels posing continued risks, authorities have cautioned against recreational activities near water bodies during the monsoon season for public safety.
