At least eight people were killed after a massive landslide struck a civilian settlement below the Assam Rifles camp in Nagaland’s Mon district early Sunday morning, while continuous heavy rainfall also triggered flooding in several parts of Tizit town, affecting more than 30 households.

Confirming the tragedy to Nagaland Tribune, Deputy Commissioner of Mon Wennyei Konyak, NCS, said the landslide is believed to have occurred at around 6 a.m., while the district administration received information at approximately 7.30 a.m. Rescue and emergency response teams were immediately rushed to the site.

The Deputy Commissioner said landslides had occurred at different locations across the district, but the most severe incident was reported behind the Assam Rifles camp, where several houses were buried under debris.

“So far, eight people have been confirmed deceased. We have recovered four bodies, while four others are yet to be retrieved from beneath the debris. As per our assessment, the confirmed death toll is eight. However, the possibility of additional casualties cannot be ruled out as search and rescue operations are still underway,” he said.

According to the DC, personnel from the Police, Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and other agencies have been deployed for the rescue operation.

Clarifying reports identifying the affected area as Defence Colony, Konyak said it is the same location below the Assam Rifles camp and that the area is known by different names.

On relief measures, he said the district administration had established relief camps. However, most displaced families have opted to stay with relatives instead of moving into the camps.

“We have set up relief camps, but since we are Nagas, people prefer to stay with their relatives. The displaced families have been accommodated by their relatives, and we are trying our best to manage the situation,” he said.

Calling the incident a natural calamity, the Deputy Commissioner remarked that “nobody can stop nature’s intervention.”

He further said that while the rain had stopped by the time of the interaction, the weather remained cloudy and electricity supply had been disrupted, affecting communication.

The DC also acknowledged the assistance of ward volunteers, the Konyak Union, Konyak Students’ Union, Konyak Women Organisation and local residents, who have joined security personnel and rescue agencies in the ongoing operation.

Search and rescue efforts were continuing at the time of filing this report as authorities worked to recover the remaining missing persons and assess the overall impact of the disaster.

Heavy rain triggers flooding in Tizit

Meanwhile, continuous rainfall has triggered flooding in several parts of Tizit town under Mon district, affecting more than 30 households.

According to available information, more than twenty households in Tizit town were initially affected by floodwaters. The worst-hit area was opposite the Greenply factory near S. Poiling colony, where nearly 30 households were inundated after prolonged rainfall caused drainage systems to overflow.

Residents said the affected locality, being a low-lying plain area, was quickly submerged as rainwater accumulated and existing drains failed to cope with the volume of water. Floodwaters entered several houses, causing inconvenience to households.

Flooding was also reported from the Lapalampong area and other parts of Tizit town as incessant rainfall continued throughout the day.

Nagaland govt announces ₹4 lakh ex gratia for Mon landslide victims, steps up relief operations

The Nagaland Government has expressed profound grief over the devastating landslide that struck Mon Town at around 6:30 am on Sunday, resulting in the loss of lives and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.

The government conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the tragedy.

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The government said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation as extreme weather continues to affect several parts of the state. Besides Mon district, Tuli subdivision in Mokokchung district and other areas have also been severely impacted by landslides, flash floods, road blockages, and damage to public and private infrastructure.

It stated that the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), district administrations, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police and other line departments are carrying out search and rescue operations, evacuating vulnerable residents, restoring essential services and providing immediate relief to affected communities.

According to a DIPR update, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has announced an immediate ex gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased person and Rs 74,000 to every injured victim. The government also assured that affected families across the impacted districts would receive relief assistance, including food, temporary shelter, essential commodities and other eligible support.

The government has directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure effective inter-departmental coordination for timely emergency response, restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation of affected communities. It added that the situation is being continuously assessed and additional assistance will be mobilised wherever necessary.

Appealing to the public to remain vigilant, the government advised people to avoid vulnerable slopes, riverbanks and landslide-prone areas, strictly follow advisories issued by the NSDMA, Home Department and district administrations, and cooperate with emergency response agencies. It also urged citizens to rely only on official sources of information and refrain from spreading unverified reports or rumours.

Reaffirming its commitment to the affected families, the government said it stands in solidarity with those impacted by the disaster and will continue to extend all possible assistance to ensure timely relief and restoration of normalcy.