Noklak Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Arikumba led a team and visited the families affected by mudslide at Choklangan village on 9 July, the same day of the disaster. The team comprised of Memlo, EAC Nokhu, Tanghiu, District Project Associate (DPA), DDMA, Dobashi (DB), bodyguard, and two drivers.

As earlier informed by Choklangan Students’ Union, the landslide occurred around 1:00 am on Saturday and caused heavy damages to paddy fields and a house.

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During the visit, the team handed over relief to affected families, and further directed them to apply for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).  It was informed that the team had to walk for around 5-6 kms on foot as the road got blocked by massive landslides at seven locations.

It is reported that three families were affected by the tragedy and one family had been evacuated.

Speaking to Nagaland Tribune, Keshen, a 41-year-old widow of seven children whose husband died in the year 2020, expressed her sorrow of losing her “only paddy field” on the dawn of 9 July. The family lived in the same land as their field.

“We had just completed planting rice paddy a few days back and now it is completely swept away by the mudslide,” Keshen said.

She has since packed her children and shifted to the grandparents’ house.

“I am so helpless at the sight of my paddy but also thankful to God that no one was injured,” Keshen said.

Muchu Chiu narrated that his brother’s paddy field that had not only rice plants, but other vegetables also had all been taken away by the mudslide. He said that efforts were made to save the field, but the mud continued to slide heavily on Saturday. Chiu expressed that they cannot do anything now.

A source has advised that it is not safe to travel to Choklangan village area and asked the public to take caution. The source also mentioned that to prevent such disasters in the future, retaining walls are required at seven locations, disaster awareness program should be organised for the community, and proper communication system needs to be established.

Read more: Torrential rain cause havoc in Choklangan village, Noklak