UKHRUL: A devastating landslide struck Defence Colony in Nagaland’s Mon district early on Sunday, leaving one person dead, several houses destroyed and a child reportedly trapped beneath the debris.
The body of one victim has been recovered, while rescue teams continue to search for the missing child amid difficult weather and terrain. Officials fear more people could be trapped, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
The rescue operation is being carried out jointly by personnel from the Nagaland Police, Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers. However, officials said continuous water flow through the affected area has made search and recovery efforts extremely challenging.
Authorities have not yet determined the full extent of the damage, with assessments expected once conditions become safer. Residents have also been advised to stay away from landslide-prone areas as heavy rainfall continues across the region.
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Responding to the tragedy, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio said the State Government is closely monitoring the situation. In a post on X, he expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.
“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 ground for search & rescue operations,” Rio took to X.
The chief minister also announced that the state government will provide immediate ex-gratia assistance to the families of the deceased and extend relief support to all those affected by the landslide.
