At least four people were killed after a landslide struck Defence Colony in Nagaland’s Mon district on Sunday. Several others are feared trapped beneath the debris as rescue operations continue.
The landslide swept away several houses, prompting authorities to launch a massive rescue operation. According to a rescue team official, nearly 15 houses in the colony were severely affected by the landslide.
Rescue Teams Continue Search Operation
Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Nagaland Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, the district administration and local volunteers are engaged in a massive search and rescue operation.
A police official said the bodies of four people have been recovered so far, while rescue teams continue to search for survivors despite extremely challenging conditions. It is feared several more persons may still be buried under the debris, though the exact count of those still missing has not yet been ascertained.
The landslide caused a lot of destruction, and many residential buildings were also greatly damaged. Several rescue operations have been impeded in the area due to the continuous water flow in the place.
Heavy Rain Continues To Batter Nagaland
People staying in the low-lying areas have been asked not to go near the landslide-hit hillocks and unsafe slopes as heavy rains continue to lash Nagaland and the Northeast.
Meanwhile, officials have cautioned that the existing conditions might cause new landslides and pose a continued risk to lives and property.
Besides Mon district, Tuli sub-division in Mokokchung district and various other parts have also experienced heavy landslides and flash floods, road blockade and damage to public and private properties.
Nagaland CM Expresses Grief
In response to the incident, Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio stated that the State Government is closely watching the situation and ensuring full support in the rescue and relief efforts underway.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister expressed deep grief over the incident and conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
“Deeply distressing reports of heavy landslides in Mon. My heartfelt condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones. The State Govt. is closely monitoring the situation. NSDMA, Dist. Admin, DDMA, SDRF, Police, AR & local community are working on the ground for search & rescue operations,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
Further, the Chief Minister added that ex gratia assistance would be given immediately to the families of the deceased, besides relief for all the persons affected in the landslide.
The rescue operation is ongoing 24/7 till all suspected to be trapped are traced, officials said. Authorities have been on alert due to the persistent rains in the region.