Flash floods devastate Dimapur: 959 mm rainfall in four days, emergency measures underway

District caught unprepared; airport & highways identified as vulnerable zones

Dimapur District has been severely impacted by flash floods following continuous heavy rainfall from July 5 to 8, 2025. Cumulative rainfall over the four days reached approximately 959.076 mm, with some locations reportedly recording as much as 3600 mm. The floods have overwhelmed drainage systems, submerged roads, and displaced several families.

In response, an emergency meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) was convened on July 9, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Dimapur. The meeting was held following the visit of the Chief Secretary, Dr J Alam, IAS, and the Advisor for New & Renewable Energy, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, to assess the on-ground situation.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need for swift field-level response and active coordination among all concerned departments, including the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), PWD, Health, PHED, and the Police. He reminded that all attending members are part of the DDMA and must contribute to the collective response effort.

According to the DDMA’s incident report, the district was caught unprepared due to the intensity and volume of rainfall. Multiple areas experienced severe waterlogging, and relief operations had to be initiated immediately. The Chief Secretary commended the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was commended for their prompt action despite limited resources, and it was assured that the demand for more rescue boats and additional funds would be examined on a priority basis.

Concerns were also raised over potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The Chief Medical Officer was directed to remain on high alert and to begin field assessments, especially in low-lying areas. Medical teams have been mobilised, and distribution of mosquito nets and emergency medical kits is underway.

Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, chaired the meeting and gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation summarising the situation under the “DDMA Dimapur Incident Report for Flash Floods (July 5–8, 2025)”. The presentation included field updates, damage assessments, and proposed action plans for immediate relief and long-term infrastructure strengthening, especially the airport, and other vulnerable zones along National Highway routes.

Similarly, the Deputy Commissioner & Chairman, DDMA Niuland, Sara S Jamir, convened an Emergency Monsoon Preparedness Meeting on 9 July 2025 at the Conference Hall of the DC’s Office, Niuland.

Jamir, in her address, stated that for the first time in the past 20 years, the floods and landslides in the district have caused more havoc and have severely affected the people in the district due to incessant rainfall.

Almost all the villages under the Niuland district are reeling under water, and many roads have been washed away. The most affected is the Aghunaqa and Kuhuboto area, the DC informed. Calling upon all the department officials, Jamir stated that we need a unified response and focus on coordinating efforts to the situation that we are facing now.

The DC also requested the Chairman of Niuland Town Council to inform all the 9 Councillors and make sure that all the drainage is cleared in all the wards.

Various department officials highlighted their Preparedness, resource availability and shortcomings in managing the monsoon problem.

In regard to SDRF Relief Funding, the DC and various officers present voiced their concern and said that the existing complicated mechanism to avail the relief funds is creating hurdles to effectively handle the crisis and urged the concerned department to look into the matter.

MT