LONGLENG, JULY 8 (MExN): A sudden surge of the Shepe River following continuous heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage to farmlands in Chingong and Yongnyah villages under Longleng district. The flood, which occurred in the early hours of July 5, washed away fisheries and mature plantations in the Alla area of Chingong village and parts of Yongnyah village, a DIPR report has stated.
According to Chingong Village Council chairman, Lungmei M, the deluge has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers in the area. "Most of the plantations — arecanut, coconut, litchi, and apple — were around five to six years old," he said, underlining the scale of the loss.
Lungmei also expressed concern over the implications for ongoing government schemes. He said the affected lands had recently been geotagged under the 1st and 2nd phases of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) implemented by the Rural Development Department, and the damage may hinder progress under the upcoming 3rd and 4th phases.
He urged government agencies to conduct an immediate assessment and provide compensation to the affected farmers.
In addition to agricultural losses, the Economic Importance Road bridge sustained damage, disrupting movement for local residents and commuters. Preliminary estimates put the total loss to farmlands and fisheries at approximately Rs 15 lakh.
