The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mokokchung, has announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for each of the two victims who lost their lives in a devastating landslide that struck Penli Ward during the early hours of Tuesday.
The tragedy unfolded at around 1:00 a.m. when a massive landslide crashed into a residential house, burying members of a family beneath mud and debris. Following the incident, the DDMA, along with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police and local volunteers, launched an immediate rescue operation.
According to Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, DDMA, Ajit Kumar Verma, rescuers managed to pull the mother and the eldest son out alive. However, despite several hours of intensive manual excavation carried out under challenging weather conditions and unstable terrain, the bodies of the two younger family members were recovered at around 5:30 a.m.
The bodies were shifted to the District Hospital, Mokokchung, where inquest proceedings and other formalities were completed before being handed over to the bereaved family to perform the last rites in their native village.
The DDMA said relief materials are being provided to the affected family, while the next of kin of each deceased victim will receive ₹4 lakh as ex-gratia assistance from the government.
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Following the incident, the district administration has intensified precautionary measures. Additional manpower has been deployed to clear the landslide debris, while two houses located in landslide-vulnerable areas have been vacated and the affected families shifted to safer locations.
Expressing its deepest condolences to the bereaved family, the DDMA appreciated the SDRF, police personnel, local volunteers and all agencies involved for their prompt response and coordinated rescue efforts under extremely difficult conditions.
Advisory
Meanwhile, in view of the continuing monsoon and the heightened risk of landslides, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DDMA Mokokchung, Ajit Kumar Verma, has directed all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), ward authorities and colony leaders across the district to immediately identify landslide- and flood-prone areas, assess households located in vulnerable zones, evacuate families from high-risk locations, maintain close vigilance over susceptible sites and ensure timely dissemination of safety advisories.
The DDMA said it would continue to closely monitor the situation and urged residents, particularly those living in landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to official advisories during the ongoing monsoon season. Disaster-related incidents or emergencies may be reported through the DDMA Mokokchung helpline at 6009479721.
