A landslide triggered by incessant rainfall destroys houses in Longleng district, leaving a trail of debris and extensive damage. (Photo Courtesy:NSDMA)
Kohima, July 20 (MExN): The Nagaland government on July 19 placed all district administrations on high alert and directed them to activate their District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) following incessant rainfall that has triggered landslides, flash floods and widespread waterlogging across the state.
In a statewide advisory issued by the Home Department through the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), all District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) were instructed to accord top priority to the safety of lives, evacuate residents from vulnerable areas wherever necessary, maintain adequate stocks of food, fuel and medicines, ensure uninterrupted communication, keep emergency response teams and earth-moving machinery on standby, restore road connectivity by clearing landslide debris, and coordinate with the Power Department to prevent electrocution in submerged areas.
The NSDMA also directed district administrations to identify alternate routes, restrict non-essential travel on landslide-prone stretches, advise people to stay away from swollen rivers, streams and overflowing drains, and appealed to the public not to circulate unverified information that could create panic.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) has asked citizens to contact 1070 (toll-free), 112 (Emergency Response Support System) or 0370-2270129/30 for assistance during emergencies.
The advisory comes as continuous rainfall has affected several districts, prompting local administrations to intensify preparedness measures and issue public alerts.
In Mokokchung, traffic has been diverted after a stretch of road between Unger village and Chuchuyimlang village developed subsidence. The district administration has opened an alternate route via Unger Village Local Ground and the Kelingmen-Asangma road junction for light motor vehicles.
In Wokha, the District Disaster Management Authority convened an emergency meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner K Mhathung Tsanglao to assess the damage caused by persistent rainfall. Officials reported landslides, mudslides and damage to houses, retaining walls and public infrastructure across the district. Several houses in Lakhuti and Etsutchukha Colony were damaged by landslides, with affected families provided immediate relief and one family evacuated to safety. The meeting reviewed the availability of heavy machinery, food stocks, medicines, logistics and communication equipment, while restoration of power lines damaged by landslides is underway.
Meanwhile, the district administrations of Dimapur, Tseminyu, Tuensang, Kiphire and Kohima also issued advisories urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall, as the threat of landslides, flooding and waterlogging persists.
Authorities also released emergency contact numbers for public assistance. Residents in Dimapur may contact the SDRF at 9856302919 or the DDMA at 8131924008; Wokha at 8787620382 or 8259037275; Tseminyu at 7827051943; Tuensang at 9612592810; Kiphire at 8732093078; and Kohima at 9436282824 or 9436449770. The SEOC helplines—1070, 112 and 0370-2270129/30—remain operational for assistance across the state.
The government has urged citizens to remain alert, follow official advisories and cooperate with disaster management authorities as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days.
ADC bans traffic on flood-hit Dikhu bridge linking Naginimora, Longleng
The Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Naginimora has prohibited all movement over the Dikhu Bridge connecting Naginimora and Longleng with immediate effect after incessant rainfall and rising water levels caused severe flooding in and around the sub-division.
In a travel advisory, the ADC said the bridge has been severely affected by floodwaters and is at risk of collapse at any moment, posing an imminent danger to public safety.
The order prohibits the movement of pedestrians, two-wheelers, light motor vehicles, heavy vehicles and all other forms of traffic over the bridge until further orders.
The advisory warned that any person violating the order would do so at their own risk and would be liable for action under the relevant provisions of law.
For emergency assistance, the district administration has asked the public to contact the ADC Office, Naginimora, at 9615671064 or 9383013379.
