KU seeks emergency declaration; Government announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia, relief measures
The death toll from the monsoon-triggered floods and landslides in Mon district has reportedly risen to nine, even as search and rescue operations continue in the affected areas.
According to the Konyak Union (KU), four bodies have been recovered while rescue teams are continuing the search for five others. The union said the exact number of missing persons has yet to be ascertained, at the time of filing this report.
The KU said incessant rainfall has caused widespread devastation across the district, washing away houses, damaging roads and cutting off several villages and sub-divisions. Around 150 households have reportedly been displaced, while livestock remain unaccounted for in several affected areas.
Electricity, communication networks and water supply have also been severely disrupted, with flooding reported in low-lying areas, including Naginimora, Upper Tiru, Lower Tiru and Tizit. Landslides and floodwaters have blocked major roads, leaving several parts of the district largely inaccessible.
In view of the worsening situation, the KU appealed to the Nagaland Government to declare an emergency in Mon district and expedite relief and rehabilitation measures.
The union also sought the deployment of heavy machinery to clear blocked roads, restore connectivity and provide financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Meanwhile, the Nagaland Government expressed profound grief over the landslide incident in Mon Town on Saturday morning that claimed lives and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
The Government said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect several parts of the State. Besides Mon district, Tuli sub-division in Mokokchung district and other areas have also witnessed landslides, flash floods, road blockages and damage to public infrastructure and private property.
The Government said the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), district administrations, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police and other line departments are carrying out search and rescue operations, evacuating vulnerable residents, restoring essential services and providing immediate relief to affected communities.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced an immediate ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 74,000 to every injured person. The Government also said affected families would receive relief assistance, including food, temporary shelter, essential commodities and other eligible support.
It further directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert, ensure seamless coordination for restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation of affected communities, and continue assessing the situation for additional assistance wherever required.
The Government urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid landslide-prone areas and riverbanks, follow advisories issued by the authorities, and refrain from circulating unverified information as rescue and relief operations continue across the affected districts.
Governor, political leaders mourn Mon tragedy, call for speedy relief
Governor Nand Kishore Yadav, the Naga People’s Front (NPF) and Lok Sabha MP and Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president Supongmeren Jamir have expressed grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the recent landslides and flash floods in Mon district and other parts of Nagaland.
In a message, Governor Yadav conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Mon landslide and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He also appreciated the efforts of the district administration, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police, Assam Rifles, medical personnel and other agencies engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Governor urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow official advisories as heavy rains continue across the State.
The NPF also expressed profound sorrow over the disaster, extending condolences to the bereaved families, particularly in Mon district, where lives were lost and several people remain missing.
The party said it also stands with the hundreds of families affected by floods in Tuli under Mokokchung district, where homes, schools, churches, health facilities and public infrastructure have suffered extensive damage.
The party said the tragedy highlighted Nagaland’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and appreciated the efforts of the district administrations, NSDMA, SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, medical personnel, churches, civil society organisations and volunteers involved in rescue and relief operations. It appealed to the public to avoid flood- and landslide-prone areas and cooperate with emergency responders.
Meanwhile, Supongmeren Jamir described the Mon landslide as a tragic loss of innocent lives and conveyed his condolences to the affected families. He urged the State Government to ensure adequate compensation and timely relief for those affected, stressing that prompt assistance would be vital in helping victims rebuild their lives.
Jamir also expressed concern over the flood situation in Tuli, where rising waters have displaced residents and caused extensive hardship. He appealed to the authorities to expedite relief and rehabilitation measures while calling on people to support one another during the ongoing crisis.
Rescue and relief operations continue in the affected districts as authorities monitor the evolving weather situation.
