Daijiworld Media Network - Kohima
Kohima, Jul 19: At least one person has died and a child is feared trapped after a massive landslide struck Defence Colony in Nagaland's Mon district on Sunday, destroying several houses and prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
According to officials, the landslide severely affected around 15 houses, leaving widespread destruction in its wake.
A Defence spokesperson said personnel from the Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police, the Indian Army, district administration and local volunteers have been deployed for search and rescue operations.
Police confirmed that one body has been recovered from the debris, while rescue teams continue searching for survivors under extremely challenging conditions.
Officials said a child is believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, and there are concerns that additional residents may still be buried under the landslide. However, the exact number of casualties remains uncertain.
The landslide swept away multiple residential structures, leaving behind large piles of mud and debris. Rescue efforts have been complicated by continuous water flow through the affected area, unstable ground and difficult terrain, all of which have slowed search operations and increased risks for rescue personnel.
Authorities said the full extent of the damage cannot yet be assessed due to the hazardous conditions. A detailed survey of casualties, injuries and property losses will be carried out once the weather improves and the site is declared safe.
Rescue teams are using heavy machinery and specialised equipment wherever possible to locate those trapped. However, persistent rainfall and waterlogging continue to hamper operations.
Officials have advised residents in vulnerable areas to stay away from landslide-prone slopes and unstable terrain, warning that ongoing heavy rainfall across Nagaland and the Northeast could trigger more landslides.
Reacting to the tragedy, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said the state government is closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all necessary assistance is being provided for rescue and relief efforts.
Expressing grief over the incident in a post on X, the Chief Minister conveyed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said agencies including the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), district administration, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), SDRF, police, Assam Rifles and local communities were working together at the site.
Rio also announced that the state government would provide immediate ex gratia compensation to the family of the deceased and extend relief assistance to all those affected by the disaster.
Officials said rescue operations will continue round the clock until every person feared trapped has been located, while authorities remain on high alert as heavy rainfall continues across the region.