Torrential rains cause flash floods, disrupts normal life in Dimapur

DIMAPUR— Torrential rains which lashed Dimapur since the past 72 hours resulted in waterlogging, inundation of roads, power cuts, disruption of vehicular movement and damage to residential houses and property.

The unprecedented downpour and subsequent flooding affected various colonies and areas in the city including Zeliangrong colony, River Belt colony, Niu Colony, Island colony, Sachu colony, East Police colony, Naga Shopping Arcade area and others.

The flash flood and inundation were made worse due to clogged drains which spewed toxic waste and dirty water into the roads and pavements, leaving a stench that will likely linger for a couple of days.

Many people were also compelled to seek shelter on the upper levels of their buildings or shift to other less affected areas.

On Sunday morning, the road leading to Zeliangrong B Khel colony was completely submerged with the water level rising knee-deep and flood water entering both residential and commercial buildings.

A colony resident informed Eastern Mirror that power supply in the area was cut off since Saturday and due to water logging on the road, he was unable to take out his vehicle on Sunday.

He also said that his family had decided to go to his cousin’s house for meals due to the challenging situation at their own residence.

An electric transformer stationed near the drainage at Dhobinala was also partially submerged due to overflowing of water from the clogged drain.

In River Belt colony, the water level was also knee-high on the roads even as dirty water oozed into the houses of the residents.

To prevent further water intrusion, some residents resorted to plastering the entrances of their houses with mud and sand.

According to a resident of River Belt colony, the ‘nullah’ (canal) in the area had overflowed, reaching the same level as the road, which led to widespread flooding in the colony.

The scenario in Island Colony was no better as many houses in the low lying areas along the ‘Balu’ stream bordering Assam were badly affected by the continuous downpour.

A resident affected by the flood shared that this was not the first time he had experienced such flash floods in the area as flash floods tend to occur whenever there is an unprecedented rainfall.

“Interestingly, last year the area did not experience any flooding, however, this time, the canal (Balu stream) has overflowed, rising up to the level of our houses, thereby exacerbating the severity of the situation,” he added.

He further informed that as precautionary measure, all his children had left the house on Saturday night to sleep at their cousin’s place and that only he and his wife stayed behind to guard the house.

In Niu Colony, Burma Camp, numerous houses faced the brunt of the downpour as flood water made their way into home, damaging household goods and items. Many domestic animals also could not be relocated from the affected areas.

On Sunday, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Dimapur, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Dimapur, conducted an inspection of the flooded areas in and around Dimapur.

The objective of the inspection was to assess the situation and inquire about the needs of affected families and to offer necessary assistance or support.