Nagaland is reeling under the impact of incessant rains that have triggered devastating floods, landslides, road blockages, and widespread disruption of daily life across multiple districts. The torrential downpour, which continued for the fourth consecutive day, has claimed three lives, left hundreds stranded, and severely impacted connectivity within and beyond the state.
Key Highlights
- Three fatalities reported due to flood-related incidents and landslides.
- Multiple flights cancelled from Dimapur airport due to poor weather conditions.
- National Highway-29 blocked at multiple locations, cutting off vital supply lines.
- Relief operations intensified by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
- Landslide-prone districts, including Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, and Mokokchung, remain on high alert.
Rain Fury: District-Wise Impact
Kohima
The capital city Kohima witnessed massive landslides, damaging residential areas and roads. Local authorities have urged residents near hill slopes to evacuate temporarily. Schools and colleges remain closed until further notice. Waterlogging and mudslides have disrupted traffic movement within the city.
Dimapur
Dimapur, the commercial hub, faced flooding in low-lying areas, leading to property damage and displacement. Flights from Dimapur Airport were cancelled due to poor visibility and runway inundation. Authorities stated that resumption would depend on improvement in weather conditions.
| Flights Cancelled from Dimapur Airport (July 7, 2025) | Airline | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| Flight 6E 778 | Indigo | Dimapur – Kolkata |
| Flight AI 709 | Air India | Dimapur – Guwahati |
| Flight 6E 771 | Indigo | Dimapur – Delhi |
Peren
Heavy rainfall triggered landslides blocking NH-29 near Peren, stranding hundreds of vehicles. Road clearance operations are underway, but intermittent landslips have slowed efforts. Essential supplies to interior areas stand disrupted, prompting rationing advisories by local administration.
Mokokchung
Mokokchung town reported flooding of major roads, cutting off surrounding villages. The district administration has opened temporary relief camps for affected families.
NH-29: Lifeline Severed
National Highway-29, the arterial route connecting Dimapur to Kohima and further to Manipur and Assam, remains blocked at multiple stretches due to landslides and road collapse.
Impact of NH-29 Blockade
- Disruption of fuel and essential supplies
- Long queues at petrol pumps due to supply uncertainties
- Perishable goods rotting in transit trucks
- Commuters stranded for over 24 hours without adequate food or water
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Public Works Department (PWD) are engaged in round-the-clock debris clearance, but officials warn of further slips due to unstable soil conditions and ongoing rain.
Casualties And Rescue Efforts
The NSDMA confirmed three deaths:
- A 35-year-old woman buried under debris after a landslide in Kohima.
- A construction worker swept away by floodwaters while working near Chathe river bridge in Dimapur.
- A child drowned after falling into an overflowing drain in Mokokchung.
Rescue And Relief Measures
- NDRF teams deployed in Kohima and Dimapur.
- State police and Fire & Emergency Services assisting in evacuation and debris removal.
- Over 200 families evacuated from vulnerable zones to relief shelters.
- Medical teams mobilised to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks.
State Government Response
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio chaired an emergency review meeting, directing all district administrations to remain on highest alert. The CM appealed to citizens to:
- Avoid unnecessary travel, especially near river banks and hill slopes.
- Follow evacuation advisories without delay.
- Contact emergency helpline numbers for rescue and medical aid.
Official Statement
“The government is closely monitoring the situation. Relief materials, food supplies, and medical assistance are being dispatched to affected districts. Safety of citizens remains our top priority.”
Weather Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Nagaland, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, especially in southern and western districts.
| IMD Rainfall Warning (July 7 – 9, 2025) | Districts under Red Alert |
|---|---|
| Extremely heavy rainfall (>204 mm) expected | Kohima, Dimapur, Peren, Phek |
Expert Analysis: Why Such Intense Rainfall?
Meteorologists attribute the heavy rainfall to:
- Active monsoon trough positioned over Northeast India
- Moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal
- Orographic lifting due to hilly terrain leading to enhanced rainfall
Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme rain events, posing severe challenges to fragile hill states like Nagaland.
Economic And Infrastructure Impact
Initial damage assessments indicate:
- Road repair costs running into crores, particularly along NH-29.
- Loss of horticulture produce, especially pineapple and banana plantations in Dimapur.
- Small businesses suffering due to supply disruptions and market closures.
Citizens’ Plight And Voices
Residents across Nagaland have taken to social media seeking urgent help. Videos of submerged streets, broken bridges, and landslide-hit homes have gone viral, highlighting the scale of devastation.
A local resident in Dimapur stated:
“We have never seen such relentless rainfall in July. We are cut off from Kohima, there is no milk or vegetables in the market, and our children’s schools are closed indefinitely.”
Call For Better Preparedness
Urban planners and disaster management experts emphasised the need for:
- Improved drainage infrastructure to reduce urban flooding
- Early warning systems integrated with community outreach
- Slope stabilisation projects along vulnerable highway stretches
Conclusion
The Nagaland floods have underscored the urgent requirement for climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning dissemination, and robust disaster response systems. With rains likely to continue in coming days, authorities remain on edge to ensure no further loss of life or critical assets.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to follow official government advisories, IMD weather alerts, and local administration instructions for accurate and real-time updates related to rescue operations, relief measures, and travel restrictions.
