The farms and fishery ponds destroyed by the relentless rainfall on April 19 and 20 across various villages in Tuensang district. (Photo Courtesy: SDAO, Longkhim, Department of Agriculture)
• 40 paddy fields destroyed
• 27 farmers in Angangba and 37 in Sangsomong affected
• Farmers demand disaster relief assistance
Morung Express News
Tuensang | April 29
The relentless rainfall on April 19 and 20 wreaked havoc on numerous fields across various villages in Tuensang district, leading to significant losses for farmers. According to reports from Angangba Village Council (AVC), the torrential rains during the two nights resulted in the destruction of 40 paddy fields, along with agricultural machinery, cardamom farms, fishery ponds, and landslides in the power tiller path constructed by the Department of Agriculture.
The damage extended beyond government machinery, as numerous privately and community-owned equipment were also washed away. ‘Among the farming machinery that was provided by the Government, five tractors (one privately owned and four community owned), six brush cutter (four privately owned and one community owned), four sprayer (three privately owned and one community owned) had been drawn away completely along with the water,’ stated the letter issued to the SDAO, Longkhim, Tuensang district appended by Angangba Village, VDB Secretary Yanglikokba Sangtam and Angangba Village Council, Chairman, Hotingkyu Sangtam.
“One tractor has been found in a pitiable condition. It was completely damaged and cannot be used for further purposes,” it added.
The authorities concerned have been requested to take necessary action to provide disaster relief assistance with “outmost compassion and urgency as it would significantly alleviate the suffering that the farmers are currently enduring,” the letter appealed.
It may be noted that the aftermath has left 27 farmers in Angangba and an additional 37 farmers in Sangsomong village adversely affected. Reports of damages have also emerged from individuals in Longkhim town, with incidents reported in Lirise and Chimonger villages as well.
Across these affected areas, losses of department-allotted machinery such as power tillers, rotary tillers, back rotary tillers, brush cutters, and sprayers have been reported. Akila, Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer (SDAO) of Longkhim, confirmed receiving official and unofficial damage reports from various villages affected by the heavy rainfall. While Angangba and Sangsomong village councils have officially submitted damage reports, there are additional unofficial reports of damage from Sangsomong, Lirise, and Chimonger villages.
The widespread devastation caused by the incessant rain underscores the urgent need for assistance and support for the affected farmers in Tuensang district. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage to formulate appropriate measures to aid recovery efforts and mitigate further losses.
