Mokokchung, 23 April (MTNews): As previously reported by this newspaper, heavy floods, triggered by incessant rains, wreaked havoc in Mokokchung’s Longsa village area on the night of 20 April. It has been confirmed that the flash flood damaged over 200 rice fields and farms, destroying the Tzütsüng irrigation dam and two agri-link roads crucial for farmers in Longsa, Moalenden, and Chaubayimkim villages. The relentless rains from April 19 to 21 also caused damage to the water source for Longsa village. All four water sources at Meremtu, along with several water canals and six minor irrigation projects, were also washed away.
According to assessments conducted by the Longsa village council on Tuesday, farms of 182 households suffered severe damage, with an additional 31 partially damaged. The flood also impacted 18 fruit and vegetable farms and 24 fishery ponds, while the exact number of affected chilly farms remains to be ascertained. Affected farmers expressed deep remorse, highlighting the economic and emotional toll as their livelihoods depend on these fields.
In response, the village council and affected farmers have appealed to the district administration, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the Agri department, and the Government of Nagaland for urgent relief and assistance.
Acknowledging the severity of the situation, the village council expressed gratitude to Imkongmar, Advisor for Minority Affairs and Sericulture, and Metsübo Jamir, Minister for RD and SIRD, for their financial support.
Officials from the District Administration and Agri department visited the affected area on April 23, 2024, approximately 24 kilometers from the District Headquarters in Mokokchung Town.
The community awaits swift action to address the aftermath of this natural disaster and restore stability to their agricultural livelihoods.