A massive landslide occurred in Rüzazho village under Chozuba Sub-Division of Phek district during the midnight of September 17 blocking the flow of the Tüsürü river and causing widespread damage to nearby paddy and maize fields.

According to the Village Development Board (VDB) secretary of Ruzazho Rukuneyi Sapuh, the major landslide occurred at an unexpected location in view of the incessant rainfall over the past few days.

He informed that the paddy and maize belonging to Ruzazho villagers were largely damaged right before harvest, and many fields were completely submerged under river water.

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Sapuh said paddy fields belonging to more than 25 farmers were damaged including maize plantations.

Naga farmers are traditionally dependent solely on paddy cultivation for their livelihood and the unexpected natural disaster has left their lives affected.

It was further reported that the annual plantation works of the farmers were at stake, causing immense loss to the farmers.

The VDB official appealed to the concerned department and authorities to physically verify the damaged areas and compensate the affected farmers on humanitarian ground as applicable.