A sudden and significant rise in the water level of the Shepe River, flowing through the Yongnyah area, under Longleng district, unleashed a wave of destruction on the farmlands of Alla area in Chingong Village and parts of Yongnyah Village in the early hours of  July 5. The midnight surge, following continuous heavy rainfall, has left a trail of devastation, washing away fisheries and mature plantations.

According to the chairman of the Chingong Village council, Lungmei M, the disaster has severely impacted the livelihoods of farmers in both villages. “Most of the plantations, such as arecanut, coconut, lichi, and apple, were approximately five to six years old,” stated Lungmei, highlighting the significant investment and time lost.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

The Chairman also raised concerns about the implications for ongoing government initiatives. He noted that the affected farmlands had recently been geotagged for the 1st and 2nd phases of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) under the Rural Development Department. The damage now poses a challenge for the upcoming 3rd and 4th phases of the program. Lungmei urgently appealed to government agencies to investigate the matter promptly and provide compensation to the affected farmers.

In addition to the agricultural losses, the a road bridge also sustained damage during the flood, causing considerable disruption for local villagers and commuters. Initial estimations suggest that the total loss to farmlands and fisheries amounts to approximately Rs. 15 Lakhs.