Heavy rains cause widespread damage, disruptions in Nagaland

KOHIMA — Heavy rainfall across Nagaland over the past few days has caused widespread damage and disruption, particularly in the districts of Kiphire and Phek.

Landslides have blocked roads, isolated villages, and damaged property, while flash floods have destroyed crops.

In Pungro sub-division, several villages have been cut off due to landslides. Thanamir village, bordering Myanmar, has been completely cut off after a major landslide blocked the only road access on Tuesday.

Yithachu Thur, Extra Assistant Commissioner of Pungro, confirmed the incident and advised tourists and travellers to exercise extreme caution and take note of the road condition before venturing out in the area.

The EAC explained that, while there were initially machinery issues hampering road clearing efforts, everything is now in place.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Public Works Department (PWD) are working to clear the roads, but progress has been hampered by continued rainfall, he informed.

Meanwhile, irrigation canals and three houses in Pungro town were reportedly damaged on Tuesday morning.

Threntsuvong, a new village under the sub-division that gained road connectivity earlier this year, has also been affected.

A joint initiative involving the village council, PWD, DDMA, and district administration carried out clearance work for three days and might still require a full day (if rain stops) to clear the road, the official informed.

Road access to Fakim village and the Tsundang-Sangtsong-Vongtsuvong area was temporarily blocked before being restored. Similarly, a road blockage in the Mimi village area was cleared with the assistance of Assam Rifles and local villagers, Thurr said.

Paddy fields destroyed in Zhavame

In Phek district, Zhavame village experienced flash floods on July 1, causing extensive damage to paddy fields. Zao Krocha, the village council chairman, told this newspaper that fields belonging to at least 40 families were completely destroyed.

He attributed the flooding to ongoing two-lane road construction by the Manipur government above the affected fields.

‘We have not seen any such major damage done to the fields in the village in our entire life’, he said.

Krocha expressed concerns about further damage if the rains persist and appealed to the relevant authorities to assess the situation and provide assistance. Reports have been submitted to the district administration, he added.

Landslides affect Pfutsero – Phek road

Meanwhile, landslides and mudslides were also reported along the two-lane road from Pfutsero to Phek (via Pholami village), affecting travellers along the route.

While clearance work has temporarily opened the road for light vehicles, travellers have been advised to exercise caution and avoid travelling at night.