The residents of Marepkong Ward in Mokokchung were forced to confront the recurring issue of flooding and a widespread power outage after heavy rains lashed the area on Monday, exposing ongoing problems with inadequate drainage systems, poor waste management. The power outage has affected the entire Mokokchung Town, with repairs scheduled for Tuesday.
On Monday, the rains led to the overflow of drainage systems, resulting in water gushing onto the streets and into residential areas. The flooding left piles of waste stranded on the roadside, adding to the distress of the local community. The situation was worsened by the visible accumulation of plastic waste, debris, and other materials, which clogged the drainage systems, preventing the water from receding quickly.
One of the affected residents of Marepkong Ward expressed frustration, stating, “This is not a new thing. In our six years of staying here, this is the third time we’ve had to deal with this kind of flooding. It’s the poor waste management and inadequate drainage systems that are causing this.”
Large piles of waste, including plastic bags, discarded packaging, and other debris, were seen scattered along the muddy and waterlogged streets. In some areas, the waste had been carried by the floodwaters to the doorsteps of homes, forcing residents to undertake extensive cleaning efforts to restore order to their surroundings.
The impact of the flood was not limited to waste accumulation; the rainwater also caused structural damage to some homes and properties. Residents could be seen working together to clear away debris, with some digging through the mud and rocks to prevent further damage to their homes.
This incident has raised concerns among the local community about the effectiveness of the current waste management and drainage infrastructure in Marepkong Ward. Despite previous occurrences, it appears that little has been done to address these persistent issues, leaving residents vulnerable to the effects of heavy rains.
In this related incident, the heavy rainfall also caused damage to the main electrical line in the Nature Park area in Ungma, leading to a widespread power outage across Mokokchung, including Marepkong Ward. The Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) of Mokokchung Electrical Sub-Division informed that electricity supply would remain suspended until repairs are completed, which are scheduled to take place on August 27.
The residents of Mokokchung Town, already dealing with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall, now also face the challenge of managing without electricity.
