Central team assesses flood and landslide damage in Chümoukedima, Sovima

DIMAPUR — Following this year’s flash floods and landslides in Nagaland, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), headed by Ministry of Home Affairs Joint Secretary (F-II) Gaya Prasad, arrived in Dimapur on Wednesday for an on-the-spot assessment.

The team—accompanied by Joint CEO of NSDMA, Johnny Ruangmei, and Chümoukedima DC—made brief halts at Seitheke Basa (riverbank erosion site), Tseidukhru (NH-29, CH 126), and Theruovi Khel in Sovima village (landslide area).

Although not originally on their agenda, the team also inspected the hanging bridge connecting Seithekema to Chümoukedima.

The IMCT is scheduled to visit Peren and hold a meeting with DDMA Peren on Thursday before proceeding to Kohima.

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During the visit, landslide-affected residents of Sovima village submitted a representation titled ‘Landslide damage at Sovima Theruovi Khel and request for immediate assistance.’

The memorandum outlined the extent of the destruction, included a detailed project report (DPR), listed urgent requirements, and appealed for immediate aid.

According to the DPR, multiple landslides severely affected seven households, causing extensive damage to homes, properties, and essential living spaces.

The report stated that a DPR of roughly INR 5 crore, along with geo-tagged photographs of the affected sites and beneficiaries’ bank details, had been submitted on 11 August 2025.

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The damage also included the destruction of four traditional well staircases—about 1,200 feet in total length—which provide daily water access to nearly 140 households fully dependent on the traditional well.

Other damages cited include the disruption of footpaths, drainage systems, and slope stability, posing ongoing risks to residents.

The representation highlighted urgent needs such as constructing retaining walls, repairing and reinforcing drainage systems, and rebuilding the traditional well footpaths and other critical access structures.

Citing the “severity of the situation,” the community urged NDMA to review the DPR and related documents, expedite the release of financial assistance, transfer funds to affected families for immediate reconstruction, and initiate preventive measures to safeguard the area from future landslides.