Severe storm lashes parts of Nagaland
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 21
Residents of Tuli town under Mokokchung district were panic-struck on Thursday following flash floods- a result of swelling of Milak River and its tributaries- and inundating houses and roads.
Most of the low-lying areas of Tuli area were flooded, causing large-scale damage to plantation and crops. The cause of the flashflood was attributed to incessant rain in most part of Mokokchung district during the last few days.
SDO (C) Tuli, Arikumba told The Morung Express that several houses in the low-lying areas were submerged, forcing the residents to vacate their homes. In particular, Patizung ward at Tuli and Paola Ward at Tzudikong were the two worst affected areas. The flood also caused temporary suspension of vehicular movements along a section of the National Highway 61.
Arikumba said at least 35 houses have been submerged by the flash floods. No loss of human lives and properties were reported. The river has subsided as of now but we are taking every precaution, he added.
The SDO also expressed confidence that the public and the administration were prepared for any eventuality adding that post the 2005 flood incident, public are made regularly aware of such eventualities and also given training.
The Tuli flashfloods in May 2005 had swept away nearly three hundred houses in various parts of Tuli town.
Akum O Tzudir, a Tuli citizen, said Thursday’s flash flood was first noticed around 5am in the morning. The public along with the administration has since been working overtime to ensure safety of the town people.
Tzudir informed that many families residing in the low-lying areas are making alternative arrangements elsewhere as precautionary measure. He was however apprehensive of a more severe situation if the downpour in the upper part of Mokokchung district does not stop.
Meanwhile, an official of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said the department was taking stock of the situation and was at hand to intervene any time if the need arises.
In related incidents, the NDSMA official also informed that three children were injured in a storm that occurred during the last 24 hours at Ukha Village in Mon. They are already admitted to Mon District Hospital and given proper medical attention, he said.
Several roofs were also reportedly blown away in Lungwa village in Mon district while there were also reports of severe storm in Peren district.
