Nine people, including two children and an elderly person, were rescued or evacuated after incessant rain triggered waterlogging and localised flooding in several parts of Dimapur district since the early hours of August 8.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued four hostel residents from River Belt Colony, while five people stranded in the Holy Cross School area were evacuated to a safe location.
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) conducted a field assessment on Saturday to monitor the situation in flood-prone and low-lying areas. The assessment was led by the SDO (Civil), DPA-in-Charge, Dimapur, along with officials from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Dobashis and DDMA field staff.
Several areas, including River Belt Colony, SM Colony, Vilhume Colony, K Sachu Colony, Zeliangrong Colony, Purana Bazar-B, Kuda Village Road, NST Colony, Industrial Estate Colony, Industrial Estate Colony, Public Ground Colony, Nepali Basti, Niu Colony, Veterinary Colony, Rainbow Colony, Namgalong Colony, Ragialing Colony, Nesitauo Colony and Medical Colony, were identified as vulnerable.
According to the DDMA, recent drainage clearance works have improved the flow and discharge capacity of several drainage channels. However, the high volume of surface runoff from upstream and hill catchment areas has put pressure on Dimapur’s downstream drainage network.
Rising water levels and heavy inflow into interconnected drainage systems, including Hospital Nallah, Sugarmill Nallah and Lengri Nallah, contributed to temporary waterlogging in several low-lying areas.
Residents in some affected localities reported that water levels rose rapidly, with some areas becoming inundated within two to three hours.
The exact number of affected households and people could not be immediately ascertained due to restricted access. The DDMA said a detailed assessment would be carried out once conditions improve.
The District Administration, DDMA and SDRF remained on alert and coordinated with Colony Councils and residents in vulnerable areas. The councils have been asked to alert the authorities if evacuation, relief camps or other emergency measures become necessary.
The DDMA attributed the flooding mainly to continuous rainfall and heavy surface runoff from upstream and hill catchment areas. It warned that continued rainfall and further upstream inflow could put additional pressure on the drainage system.
Residents, particularly those in low-lying and flood-prone areas, have been advised to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement through waterlogged areas.
The public has also been cautioned to stay away from electrical poles, wires, transformers, inverters and other electrical installations in or near flooded areas to avoid the risk of electrocution.
