Kohima, July 19 (IANS) At least one person was killed, and a child is feared trapped under the debris after a massive landslide ripped through Defence Colony in Nagaland’s Mon district on Sunday, sweeping away several houses and triggering a large-scale rescue operation, officials said.
A Defence spokesman said that around 15 houses in the colony were severely affected by the landslide.
Personnel of the Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Nagaland Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the Army, district administration and local volunteers have launched an intensive search and rescue operation in the affected area.
A police official said the body of one victim has been recovered, while rescue teams are continuing their search for survivors amid extremely hazardous conditions.
A child is feared trapped beneath the debris, and officials suspect that more people may still be buried under the landslide, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear.
According to the police, the landslide was extensive, causing widespread destruction and severely damaging residential structures.
The force of the landslide swept away several houses, leaving behind huge mounds of mud and debris. Rescue operations have been significantly hampered by the continuous flow of water through the affected area, making search and recovery efforts highly challenging and increasing the risk for rescue personnel.
The difficult terrain and unstable ground conditions have further complicated efforts to reach those who may still be trapped.
Officials said the scale of the destruction has made it difficult to immediately assess the full extent of casualties, injuries and property damage.
A comprehensive damage assessment will be carried out once weather conditions improve and the area is declared safe for rescue teams and civil authorities.
Rescue personnel from multiple agencies are working in close coordination to locate the trapped child and any other residents who may still be buried under the debris.
Heavy machinery and specialised rescue equipment are being deployed wherever possible, though continuous rainfall and waterlogging continue to impede operations.
Authorities have urged residents living in vulnerable locations to avoid landslide-prone slopes and unstable areas as heavy rainfall continues across Nagaland and other parts of the Northeast.
Officials warned that the prevailing weather conditions could trigger fresh landslides, posing additional risks to life and property.
Responding to the tragedy, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the state government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all possible assistance for the rescue and relief operations.
In a post on X, CM Rio expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
“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,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
CM Rio also announced that the state government will extend immediate ex gratia assistance to the families of the deceased and relief to all those affected.
Officials said rescue operations would continue round the clock until all those feared trapped are accounted for, while authorities remain on high alert in view of the continuing heavy rainfall across the region.
–IANS
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