Torrential monsoon rain has claimed three lives in Nagaland, paralysed flight operations at Dimapur Airport, and severely disrupted road connectivity across several districts, with large swathes submerged under floodwaters and dozens of villages left cut off.
The deaths occurred in Dimapur, where three people, including a woman, were electrocuted inside their homes after floodwaters entered residential neighbourhoods over the weekend. The fatalities were reported from Burma Camp and Kuda Village, officials confirmed on Monday.
Parts of Dimapur resembled an inland lake, with residents wading through chest-deep water or resorting to makeshift boats in areas such as Half-Nagarjan, where flood levels rose up to three feet. Authorities evacuated 52 people from submerged areas, while many others remained stranded in their homes.
“No fresh rainfall since last night has allowed water levels to gradually recede. However, officials remain on alert as more rain is expected in the coming days,” said Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Tinojongshi Chang..
Flight operations at Dimapur Airport were suspended on Sunday after floodwaters inundated the runway and aircraft parking areas. Multiple flights, including services by IndiGo and Air India Express, were cancelled, with the Airport Authority advising passengers to contact airlines directly for further information.
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The deluge has also brought the National Highway 29, the arterial link between Dimapur and Kohima, to a near standstill. Landslides triggered by continuous rain have blocked several sections of the highway, endangering commuters and disrupting the flow of essential goods.
Dimapur, Kohima, and Niuland emerged as the worst-affected districts. Reports from Niuland indicated that at least 70 villages were reeling from the flood’s impact, with widespread damage to homes, bridges, paddy fields, and fisheries. The destruction has triggered concerns of an impending food crisis if rains persist.
District administrations and the State Disaster Management Authority have been placed on high alert. A coordination meeting is scheduled to be held later in the day to review the situation and chalk out a contingency plan, especially as the India Meteorological Department has issued fresh warnings of heavy rainfall in the week ahead.
Authorities have urged residents to steer clear of flood-prone areas and remain cautious
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