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DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — Nagaland is grappling with the aftermath of heavy rainfall and stormy winds that have battered the state since Monday, resulting in four fatalities and widespread damage to infrastructure and property.
A 73-year-old man, Vezo, died in Pfutsero, Phek district during the early hours of May 28 after a retaining wall collapsed on him.
Sources told Eastern Mirror that the victim was sleeping in a temporary house in Mission Colony when the unfortunate incident occurred. His wife, who was sleeping next to him, was awakened by a stone hitting her and alerted others.
Vezo was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival, sources added.
Confirming the fatality, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) informed that a 7-year-old boy drowned at Laruri village under Meluri subdivision of Phek district on Monday.
Meanwhile, despite the incessant rainfall, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed along with SDRF, DDMA Wokha and local volunteers are continuing the search operation for the two youths who drowned in Doyang Dam on Monday, the NSDMA informed.
For the first time in the state, an under-water drone is being deployed by the NSDMA for the operation, it added.
In Kiphire district damages to public infrastructure and households by incessant rains has been reported on Tuesday, the NSDMA said, adding that it is still compiling damage reports.
Beyond the tragic loss of lives, the relentless downpour has led to numerous instances of landslides, road blockages, and damage to infrastructure across the state.
A two-lane road connecting Chakhabama to Pfutsero was blocked for several hours on Tuesday due to a heavy mudslide above Kikruma Village. Travellers have been were advised to use alternative routes.
An official source informed this newspaper that machinery was deployed to clear the affected road stretch, which was reopened later in the day. However, further mudslides are likely amidst the ongoing rain, the official said, adding that machineries are stationed there to clear the roads.
A landslide has also been reported between Thipuzu and Phusachodu village under Phek district and travellers were advised to take alternate routes to avoid this area.
In another update, a significant stretch of road near Dzu-u Bridge over Zaru River along the Mima-Chakhabama road that connects Kohima and Phek district caved in following a mudslide. In a video that was circulating on social media, a man was heard appealing for the road to be cleared for stranded travellers.
The state capital, Kohima, has also borne the brunt of the heavy rains and strong winds. In various parts of Kohima municipalities, strong winds brought down trees and electricity poles, damaging nearby houses, cars, and blocking roads. Volunteers were seen clearing fallen trees that were blocking roadways.
At Japfu Christian College, Kigwema, the tin roofs of the boys’ hostel and old office were blown away by the storm, according to college sources.
Damage was also reported to solar panels, girls' hostels, and trees surrounding the college and near the National Highway-02. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among students and staff.
Meanwhile, Dimapur experienced long hours of light and moderate rainfall on Tuesday, following days of severe heat. However, no floods were reported, even in flood-prone areas. Some minor waterlogging was observed in certain areas, but it did not affect normal life.
Following several days of severe heat, Dimapur too experienced long hours of light and moderate rainfall on Tuesday, bringing much-needed relief.
While there were no reports of flooding even in flood-prone areas such as the Supermarket area, parts of Zeliangrong Colony, and GS Road, waterlogging was observed in few locations.
In Nzauna and Old Ngoulong Village under Nsong circle of Peren district, heavy rain and winds caused damages to several houses, churches, livestock, crops, other properties on Tuesday.
Stating that the damages range from “partial destruction to complete devastation”, the Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland (ZBN) issued an appeal, urging authorities and the state government to immediately initiate mitigation works in the affected villages and expedite immediate relief measure to the affected households.
As per an update from the NSDMA, on the May 25 night, nine households in Chuchuyimlang village under Mokokchung district were severely affected by heavy windstorm. In Noksen subdivision under Tuensang district, 36 households were severely damaged by windstorm on May 24, and there was a delayed report of a house being completely damaged in Awotsakili village under Zunheboto district, it said.