The site of the landslide triggered by incessant rainfall in Mon town on July 19, which claimed at least eight lives and caused extensive damage to houses and other property. Search and rescue operations are underway. (Photo: Special Arrangement)
• Four bodies yet to be recovered
• Search and rescue efforts continue
Morung Express News
Mon | July 19
The death toll in the landslide that struck a residential area below the Assam Rifles camp in Mon town has risen to eight, Deputy Commissioner of Mon Wennyei Konyak, NCS, confirmed on Sunday.
The landslide, triggered by incessant rainfall, occurred at around 6:00 a.m.
According to the district administration, information about the incident was received at approximately 7:30 a.m., after which search and rescue teams were immediately deployed.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, four bodies have been recovered so far, while four others remain buried under the debris. He added that the confirmed death toll stands at eight, but the possibility of additional casualties cannot be ruled out as search operations are still in progress.
Personnel from the Police, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and other agencies are carrying out the rescue operation.
The Deputy Commissioner clarified that the affected locality, referred to by some as Defence Colony, is the same residential area situated below the Assam Rifles camp.
Although relief camps have been set up by the district administration, most displaced families have opted to stay with relatives.
Power supply in the affected area has been disrupted, affecting communication, while local volunteers, including members of the Konyak Union, Konyak Students’ Union, Konyak Women Organisation and local residents, have joined security personnel and rescue teams in the ongoing operation.
Search and rescue efforts were continuing at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, across Nagaland, incessant rainfall triggered landslides, flash floods, road blockages and flooding, disrupting connectivity and affecting several districts.
Besides the fatalities and missing persons in Mon, landslides disrupted road connectivity to Shamator district, while flooding was reported in Tuli subdivision under Mokokchung district.
Authorities also received reports of landslides from various other locations across the State, prompting district administrations and disaster response agencies to remain on high alert as heavy rain continued.
Ex gratia announced
In a statement, the Nagaland Government expressed grief over the landslide incident in Mon town around 6.30 am on Sunday that claimed lives and caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
It further stated that Tuli subdivision in Mokokchung district and other parts of the State have been severely affected by incessant rain, triggering landslides, flash floods, road blockages and damage to public and private infrastructure.
The government said the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), district administrations, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police and other agencies are carrying out search and rescue operations, evacuating vulnerable residents, restoring essential services and providing relief.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 74,000 to each injured person, besides relief assistance, including food, temporary shelter, essential commodities and other eligible support for affected families.
The government has directed all departments to remain on high alert, ensure inter-departmental coordination and expedite restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation efforts. It also urged people to avoid vulnerable slopes, riverbanks and landslide-prone areas, follow official advisories and refrain from circulating unverified information.
