UKHRUL: The death toll from the massive landslide that struck Mon district headquarters in Nagaland has risen to eight, with search and rescue operations continuing amid persistent rainfall, officials said on Sunday.
The landslide occurred at around 6:30 am in a residential area below the Assam Rifles camp in Mon town, burying several houses under mud and debris. Earlier reports had confirmed one death and a missing child, but authorities later recovered more bodies as rescue teams continued excavation at the site.
According to official reports, 12 people have also sustained injuries in the disaster. Rescue personnel from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police, Assam Rifles, district administration and other line departments remain engaged in search, rescue and relief operations despite difficult weather conditions.
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The Nagaland government said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation arising from the ongoing extreme weather affecting several parts of the state.
Apart from Mon district, Tuli sub-division in Mokokchung district and other areas have also witnessed landslides, flash floods, road blockages, and damage to public infrastructure and private property.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Sunday announced an ex gratia of Rs. 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs. 74,000 to every injured victim. The government said relief assistance, including food, temporary shelter, essential commodities and other eligible support, will be provided to affected families across the impacted districts.
The state government has also directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure seamless inter-departmental coordination for timely response, restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation of affected communities. Officials said continuous assessment of the situation is underway and additional assistance will be mobilised wherever required.
The public has been advised to remain vigilant, avoid landslide-prone areas, vulnerable slopes and riverbanks, follow advisories issued by the NSDMA, Home Department and district administrations, and refrain from circulating unverified information.
The Nagaland government said it stands with all affected families during this difficult time and remains committed to extending all necessary assistance, ensuring timely relief and restoring normalcy at the earliest.
