DIMAPUR — Following reports on widespread damage caused to dwelling places and standing crops due to the extreme monsoon weather throughout the state, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has sought the public to exercise utmost caution in order to prevent loss of life and properties.
An update from NSDMA under Home department stated that it had received reports of damage to houses, roads, bridges, breast wall of roads, fishery ponds, paddy fields, jhum cultivation and also loss of human lives due to natural calamity.
It stated that two boys from Kejok village in Tuensang district were carried away by water at Ayong Nullah on June 28. It stated that the body of one boy was retrieved on the same day, while the search for another boy proved futile even after three days. Report stated that the search operation was called off with consent from the father of the deceased and all parties involved in the operation.
As per the assessment report from the ground, it stated that a one-way traffic between Mangangkhi and Yangli in Tuensang has been restored. However, since the land above the road is not stable, it stated that mud clearing has been initiated with the help of the short term maintenance contract (STMC) team.
Report also stated that a youth was drowned in Nsonji Lake in Tseminyu district. It stated that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was called to assist in the search and rescue efforts. It added that the search and rescue mission, which included personnel of NDRF, DDMA Tseminyu and local volunteers was called off after the body was successfully recovered at 4:40 pm on July 1.
In Mokokchung district, landslides have occurred in several wards affecting human habitation, while in Kiphire district, continuous rains have caused damage to public infrastructures and families in Forest Ward, Medical Ward, Kiphire-Amahator road, Kiza Colony and Jail ward prompting the evacuation of several families.
It stated that several landslides/ road blockages were also reported at Fakim/ Tsundang area, Pungro sub-division, Tsuvong ward, Pungro sub-division and between Sitimi and Shisimi. Due to mudslide, Penkim and Fakim have cut off with Tsundang, Sangtsong, Vongtsuvong.
Meanwhile, another rockslide between Khongjiri and Mimi was reported. The route to Thanamir has also been entirely cut off due to landslides in multiple locations. Soil erosion at Thusangki River near Kiphire HQ was also reported on July 2, which led to severe damage to paddy fields.
On June 29 at about 4 pm, a youth was reportedly swept away in the Dzuvuru stream in Kohima district. The DDMA Kohima, SDRF and local volunteers conducted search and rescue operations.
It stated that the body could not be sighted despite search and rescue operation for 5 days. It added that the search operation is also being carried out in Zunheboto (Lazami area) and Doyang Dam area in Wokha district. Villages located upstream of Doyang Rier are also assisting in the operation.
In Noklak district, landslide was reported from Punyaongan Ward 4, Punyaongan region and Sanglao village. It added that damage to roads have been reported between Chingmei and Noklak and Nokak- Saddle road due to incessant rain.
Report was also received from Noklak district that on July 1, one person was swept away by strong water current at Nguhaiu between Saddle to Noklak. The DDMA Noklak and local volunteers conducted the search operation and retrieved the body around 8 pm on the same day.
In Zunheboto district, several houses were destroyed by landslides at DC Hill West.
Report on damage to paddy fields due to flash flood was also received from Zhavame village in Phek district.
Shamator district also reported that the Shiponger and Muksuke bridges between Chessore and Y Anner have been partially destroyed by a flash flood on July 2. Another large landslide was reported from the NAP ward.
Peren district also reported on landslide at Tening-Nsong road. The debris clearance is been carried out by DDMA Peren and concerned department, the report stated.
Meanwhile, NSDMA stated that it is still compiling damage reports at the time of filing this report. The NSDMA has requested the district disaster management authorities and the line departments to be alert and vigilant as the monsoon season approaches the state.
Even as the water levels of many rivers in the state are rising following the continuous rainfall over the past days, NSDMA has requested the public to refrain from fishing, picnicking etc during the monsoon season.
