Unprecedented rainfall since late evening of 19 April 2024, coinciding with the polling day for the Lok Sabha election for Nagaland Parliamentary Constituency, has impacted various districts across the State, some more severely than the others.
In Mokokchung district, numerous villages and towns have borne the brunt of the deluge. Of particular concern is the Tzütsüng Irrigation Dam at Moalenden Village, under the jurisdiction of Longsa Village, which sustained damage due to excessive water flow during the flash flood, resulting in the destruction of many fields along the riverbanks.
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Longsa Village, renowned for its substantial vegetable production, has been especially hit hard. On 23rd April 2024, the Mokokchung District Administration conducted a spot verification visit to Longsa Village and its affected areas, in collaboration with the Longsa Village Council.
Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Talichuba Tatar, Chairman of Longsa Village, stated that out of the approximately 280 families engaged in farming in the region, 182 families have been severely affected, while 31 families have experienced minor impacts. Among the affected families, 18 families engaged in vegetable and fruit cultivation were affected, while 24 families’ fishery ponds were washed away.
With the advent of the spring season and the onset of monsoon, the timing for sowing seeds and nurturing crops is crucial. Talichuba expressed deep regret over the significant destruction, particularly the loss of chilli farms, the extent of which is yet to be determined due to time constraints. He underscored the communal damage caused by the excessive rainfall, highlighting that four water sources at Meremtu were completely washed away while Mesemsü main Major Irrigation (M.I) project was also washed away with Ajakmeret, Merangmeret, Alutemtem, Yimlu, Waitzü – Tamatai M.I project also being washed away.
The incident has severely affected farming families at a critical juncture in the agricultural calendar, threatening this year’s harvest and sufficiency. Notably, Longsa chillies, famous in markets across major districts like Kohima, Dimapur, and Mokokchung, face a substantial loss.
Responding to inquiries about the condition of the Tzütsüng Bridge leading to Tuensang District, Talichuba reported significant damage at the bridge’s foundation site, with some landslides affecting its stability. The bridge, constructed in the 1960s, remains in a precarious state following the flood though it is pliable as informed.
Tsüktisangba, Chairman of Moalenden Village under Longsa jurisdiction, further confirmed the adverse effects on nearly 40 out of the village’s approximately 60 families, emphasizing the critical role of the Tzütsüng Bridge adjacent to Tzütsüng Irrigation Dam as a lifeline on the National Highway to Tuensang District.
