Damaged houses and roads in Chungtia village, Mokokchung, where landslides and soil sinking continue to threaten households and infrastructure.
Morung Express News
Mokokchung | August 28
Chungtia village in Mokokchung District is facing one of its worst environmental crises as landslides and soil sinking continues to threaten homes and roads. According to Chungtia Village Council Chairman Assamwati, 20 houses have already been damaged—seven last year and 13 this year—while nearly 50 households across four sectors have been affected.
He said some families whose homes were destroyed have moved into rented houses, others are being accommodated by relatives, and a few have shifted to Mokokchung town. “Not all houses have been vacated, but many are in danger. Some are sliding, some are sinking, and whenever it rains, the ground slowly gives way,” he said. The most recent landslides occurred on Saturday and Sunday.
Assamwati noted that Chungtia has never experienced landslides on such a scale before. “Last year and this year is the first time we are facing this kind of disaster due to the heavy rainfall,” he said. The Yimkum sector, he added, has become “permanently unsafe to live in” as the land there continues to sink.
So far, the government has conducted spot visits and provided ₹3,000 each to affected families, along with requesting documents for further relief. Assamwati said the immediate need is for a detailed scientific assessment: “The government must come, survey, and advise us on what course of action should be taken.”
The Village Council has already written to the Geological Survey of India (GSI) through the Deputy Commissioner’s office on August 26, requesting a comprehensive survey of the entire village to assess risks, safety, and rehabilitation measures. “We have been informed that the letter has reached the authorities, and we are praying that the GSI team will come soon,” the chairman said, adding that EAC Ongpangkong, Sangpangchang, has visited the site multiple times.
The landslides are also threatening vital road connectivity. Assamwati said villagers recently cleared uprooted trees along the PWD road from Sapangya to Aliche, but continuous rainfall is loosening the soil further. “If the downpour continues, it will definitely affect the road linking Mangmetong, Satsü, Kinunger, and Aliba villages,” he cautioned. He confirmed that a PWD officer has also inspected the site.
With heavy rains still in the forecast, Assamwati admitted the council has limited options. “There is not much we can do to stop the sliding or sinking. We have asked residents in dangerous houses to vacate and have appealed to departments to come for survey. Once the GSI gives its findings, we will decide the course of action together as a community,” he said.
