Several villages in Mokokchung district remain cut off by road while restoration efforts continue following the heavy rainfall of July 19 and 20. Mangkolemba subdivision is the worst-hit area where 22 villages have been severely affected by rain-triggered disasters, Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma said during a press conference at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall on August 4. He said Molungkimong, Yimjenkimong, Salulemang and Yajang remain among the worst-affected locations, with continuous rainfall and landslides hampering restoration works.
Verma said the district administration convened the briefing in view of the ongoing monsoon situation and would continue issuing regular press releases to keep the public informed. He said rainfall is expected to continue throughout the week, with forecasts indicating light to moderate rain and moderate to heavy rainfall, urging the public to remain vigilant against landslide risks.
Giving an overview of the district, Verma said heavy rainfall and thunderstorms caused extensive damage to roads, public infrastructure and private properties across Mokokchung. NH-02 remains blocked between Chuchuyimlang and Unger, while the stretch near Tuli Paper Mill is still vulnerable. Heavy vehicles are currently using NH-702D (Mokokchung–Mariani Road) for movement of essential commodities. He added that mobile connectivity, electricity and water supply were also disrupted, particularly in Tuli, while villages such as Salulemang and Yajang were cut off due to damaged roads.
Providing an update after inspecting the affected areas, Temsuwangshi Jamir, Assistant Manager (Research & Planning) and Nodal Officer for Mokokchung & Tuensang, said he had visited almost all affected locations except Molungkimong and Yimjenkimong, as the roads to the two villages remain completely inaccessible because of massive landslides.
Jamir said the DDMA, with the support of all stakeholders, has cleared all roads that could be restored so far. However, Molungkimong remains cut off by two major landslides, one stretching around 100 metres, while the larger landslide could not be assessed because of its massive size. He said DDMA would deploy a backhoe loader at the earliest, while villagers have already engaged a Poklain machine to assist in restoration.
Aosenden & Aosungkum villages area landslide
He said Yimjenkimong village has remained cut off since July 19, with the inspection team unable to proceed beyond multiple landslides. Restoration work is also underway on a sinking stretch at Waromung, between the 32nd and 35th kilometre connecting Molungkimong and Yimjenkimong, although the road is yet to be fully restored.
Jamir further reported major landslides near Aosungkum village and along the Aosenden village road. He warned that continued rainfall could sever the Aosenden Junction Road connecting to NH-702D, forcing authorities to depend on the already damaged BRO alternative road.
On Yajang, Verma said the lifeline bridge was washed away and restoration of an alternate road is underway. A consultative meeting involving the ADC Mangkolemba, SDO (Civil), village council and stakeholders will determine the way forward. Jamir added that, with DDMA assistance and permission from the Assam counterpart, a temporary route through the NAP camp has been opened, while restoration work continues.
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Verma said Mangkolemba subdivision recorded the highest number of road blockages, with around 22 major locations identified, while the worst-hit areas include Molungkimong, Yimjenkimong and Yajang. He added that continuous landslides have also delayed restoration of the main road to Salulemang, where work on an alternate route is in progress.
Jamir informed that Noklangsangba Government High School in Lirmen village was completely damaged. Verma also confirmed that the Power Department is working to restore damaged power infrastructure in Yajang and the Longchem Circle, while DDMA nodal officers have already visited the affected sites.
Yajang Bridge completely washed away by flood
On the flood situation in Tuli subdivision, Verma said around 430 households were affected and reports on completely, severely and partially damaged houses are still being compiled. Jamir said a relief camp established according to the prescribed SOP, with food, transport, security, SDRF support and facilities for vulnerable groups, would be closed from Tuesday evening as affected families have returned to their homes and normalcy is gradually being restored.
Verma also said two schools and the Community Health Centre in Tuli were affected, although the community health centre has resumed functioning. Restoration of drinking water supply remains a priority, with additional water tankers deployed by the department and temporary pipelines being laid until permanent repairs are completed. He added that the damaged Tuli-Chuchuyimlang power line is expected to be restored through the newly constructed Mokokchung line within the week.
In Mokokchung town, Verma referred to the recent landslide at Upper Penli Ward, where ex gratia assistance was provided to the families of the deceased and financial assistance extended to the injured mother. Seven vulnerable families have been relocated and provided ₹10,000 each through the NSDMA. He said SDRF personnel have been deployed in the town, while local leaders have been advised to identify vulnerable locations and alert the administration to any emerging risks.
Verma acknowledged the support extended by the Chief Minister through the NSDMA, stating that it has enabled the DDMA and district administration to coordinate restoration works and provide timely relief to affected families across the district.
