Floods inundate over 200 households in Tuli, sever NH-61, trigger rescue operations as Mokokchung administration issues safety advisory
MOKOKCHUNG — Torrential overnight rain triggered severe flooding in Tuli subdivision of Mokokchung district, inundating more than 200 households, cutting off National Highway-61, disrupting public services and prompting large-scale rescue operations as the district administration issued a public advisory warning residents to stay away from flood- and landslide-prone areas.
The Milak River swelled rapidly after continuous rainfall, with water levels rising sharply around 5 am on Sunday and reaching nearly six feet by afternoon, according to local authorities. The sudden surge trapped many families inside their homes before they could salvage belongings, documents and other essentials.
According to Tuli Town Council member I Onen Lkr, more than 50 families in Tuliyong ward alone were affected, while the worst-hit areas included Tulikong, Shitikolak, Mendenti, Ait Lenden and Tuliyong ward between the 17-mile and 18-mile stretches.
The floods also submerged or damaged several public institutions, including the Tuli Police Station in Tulikong, the ground floor of Tuli Town Church, the Government Primary School in Shitikolak Ward and the Community Health Centre in Tuliyong ward. Overflowing drains and damaged roads further hampered movement within the town.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Atsungba Walling said that district officials, police personnel and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams were carrying out rescue operations, with relief materials, rations and drinking water already dispatched to affected areas.
"Two boats have been deployed to rescue stranded families. The rescue operation needs to be completed as soon as possible by evening. If the current boats prove insufficient, we are in touch with our counterparts in Assam for additional resources," he said.
ADC Tuli Imsenperong informed that officials had begun assessing the number of affected families and the extent of the damage, although persistent rain continued to hamper a comprehensive survey.
"The rain is still continuing, making it difficult to conduct a proper assessment. We are collecting the necessary information and will take stock of the situation once conditions improve," he said.
Two schools have been designated as temporary relief shelters for displaced residents.
No casualties or injuries had been reported at the time of filing this report.
The crisis was compounded by a major landslide in Church ward under Changtongya subdivision, blocking NH-61 and potentially delaying rescue teams travelling from Mokokchung to Tuli. Authorities said that maintenance crews and heavy machinery have been kept on standby to clear the debris once weather conditions improve, while an alternative PWD circular road has been opened for light vehicles.
Amid the deteriorating situation, the district administration issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid flooded areas, overflowing drains, streams and riverbanks, restrict travel to essential journeys, stay away from landslide-prone slopes and unstable embankments, and follow official weather updates and instructions.
Residents have also been asked to prioritise the safety of children, elderly persons and people with disabilities, and to immediately report emergencies such as flooding, landslides or stranded individuals to the DDMA Mokokchung helpline (6009479721), the nearest administrative office, police station or emergency response team.
The administration assured that it is closely monitoring the evolving situation and implementing all possible response measures, while urging citizens to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and refrain from spreading unverified information that could trigger panic.