On 7th July 2024, at approximately 4:00 pm, a severe landslide struck the Alahuto Colony of Zunheboto Town.
Vikheshe Aye, elected Councillor of Alahuto Ward, said that the landslide is primarily caused by heavy rainfall and soil erosion as observed. Immediate actions taken include evacuating affected households and clearing approach roads, with district administration informed for safety measures and damage assessment.
Aye informed that the landslide has resulted in the complete destruction of six houses, with further over 50 households currently at risk. Evacuation orders have been issued, and 50 people have been safely evacuated so far. The affected residents are taking shelter with their relatives and families in the locality, he added.
The Councillor stated that local infrastructure has suffered significant damage, including disrupted roads, water supply, and power outages. Efforts are underway to restore these essential services through road clearance, repair of water pipes, and electricity grid restoration.
He said plans are in place to conduct geological surveys to prevent future landslides, with the concerned department expected to arrive in Zunheboto Town soon. Long-term measures being considered include soil stabilization, afforestation, and infrastructure reinforcement.
Aye stated that the community and external organizations are encouraged to assist in the relief efforts by donating resources, providing volunteer support, and spreading awareness. There is a specific need for donations of shelter, financial assistance, and materials to support those affected.
He informed that Little Spring School and Alahuto Road have been completely cut off due to the disaster. With the assistance of the District Administration, the school is currently conducting classes at the District Art and Culture Office.
Vikheshe Aye, mentioned that the landslide has caused approximately one crore in damages and that out of the six houses, three were concrete houses worth lakhs.
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ZDDMA APPEALS FOR AID
Hukato Sheqi, District Project Associate (DPA) of Zunheboto, reported that many houses in different locations within the Zunheboto district have been affected and evacuated. The recent landslide has caused land sinking in Alahuto, leaving 30 families homeless who have since moved to a safer area. Additionally, 50 houses have been partially affected.
The Zunheboto District Disaster Task Force has been constituted to address the issue. This matter was also raised during the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting at Zunheboto headquarters by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) & Chairman of ZDDMA, NSDMA, and team in the presence of Advisor K.T. Sukholu, Advisor Ikuto, DPDB Chairman Er. Picto, and other line departments.
The Zunheboto District Disaster Management Authority (ZDDMA) has provided emergency relief and tarpaulins to the affected families. The Authority has also appealed legislators, line departments, and stakeholders to aid Zunheboto.
To avoid further loss of life and property, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Zunheboto is actively dismantling houses that pose a threat to the community.
Earlier on 10th July, the NSDMA team visited the Ward to assess the situation and another State Technical Team from NSDMA will be arriving shortly to develop a proper action plan to mitigate the impact.
The Alahuto Ward Disaster Management Authority has employed indigenous methods, such as piling bamboo into the soil, to minimise the effect of the disaster.
ALAHUTO LANDSLIDE A HIGH ANGLE LANDSLIDE, VERY RARE
On 15th July 2024, a technical team from the Department of Geology and Mining visited the site. Geologist David Lhoupenyi, along with Assistant Geologists Neveyo Vero and Sune M and two staff members from the Department of Geology and Mining, Nagaland, arrived in Zunheboto Town and immediately initiated a comprehensive geological and geotechnical investigation. The ultimate aim is to propose effective remedies for the landslide.
Geologist David stated that this is a “high angle landslide,” which he noted is a very “rare case.” They have conducted preliminary investigations from one angle and plan to examine another angle on Tuesday. He mentioned that the cause of the landslide is still uncertain and they are in the process of data collection. He explained that the landslide occurred in the upper portion without any sign of movement in the lower portion, which is very unique and rare, though the terrain is very steep. He added that despite their prior studies through Google and other means, the occurrence is still strange given the steepness of the area.
David emphasized that no conclusions can be drawn yet since they still need to collect and analyze the data.
HOUSES BUILT IN HILLY REGIONS ARE VULNERABLE TO ERRATIC RAINFALL
Khrolou Koza Lohe, Assistant Manager & Nodal Officer of Zunheboto NDSMA, visited the site and provided insights into the situation. She mentioned that preliminary investigations were conducted on 9th July, followed by an emergency meeting convened by Deputy Commissioner (DC), who chairs the Disaster Management Authority in Zunheboto. Prior to the meeting, NSDMA engineers and DPMA members also conducted investigations.
Lohe pointed out several issues contributing to the landslide, including drainage system problems and soft soil exacerbated by continuous rain infiltration. She highlighted another significant factor: houses built in hilly regions are vulnerable to erratic rainfall.
Further, she informed that other parts of Zunheboto Town, such as the DC Hill site, have also experienced damage to houses due to landslides.
“We are not taking any chances,” Lohe emphasized, expressing concern about potential nighttime landslides catching residents unaware. She noted that the SDRF team is on standby in case of emergencies. Lohe advised communities against undertaking concrete construction or mitigation efforts due to ongoing rainfall, which could worsen the situation. Instead, we are implementing traditional methods and improvised drainage systems made by plastic tarpaulin to prevent rainwater from seeping into the soil. We are also using bamboo sticks to stabilize the soil and facilitate water flow into the right drainage.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS NEED OF THE HOUR
Samuel Zhimomi H, a resident affected by the landslide, shared his experiences and concerns.
When asked about the personal impact of the landslide, Samuel reported that his kitchen, garden, graveyard, and retaining wall were significantly affected. Fortunately, there were no injuries to his family members, but the property damage is estimated to be around 6-7 lakhs.
Regarding the evacuation experience, Samuel mentioned that they were given adequate warning and managed to evacuate himself. However, they faced challenges during the evacuation process, particularly with the demolition of the kitchen and graveyard.
He also mentioned that they received some assistance from the administration, local authorities, and well-wishers, but emphasized the need for further financial support to help recover from this disaster.
Looking at the long-term concerns, Samuel expressed that returning to their home or rebuilding on the same site would be risky. He believes that the government should take active measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
LANDSLIDE HAS TAKEN EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TOLL
Bokaho G Muru, a resident of Alahuto Colony in Zunheboto and victim of the landslide, shared his harrowing experience during the recent landslide. “It was so horrific,” he recounted, describing the moment the disaster struck.
The landslide has had a profound impact on his family’s daily life and well-being. “We can’t explain what our family is going through now, In short, we are experiencing a negative impact,” he said, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll.
Muru estimated that the damage to their house and belongings, including their land, amounts to approximately 25 to 30 lakhs. Despite the severity of the situation, he noted that they have not received much assistance or support from local authorities, relief organizations, or the community.
When asked about their immediate needs, Muru emphasized the urgent need for financial support to help his family recover from this devastating event.
