Continuous heavy rainfall that began around midnight and intensified between 1 AM and 5 AM on Saturday triggered widespread waterlogging and flash floods in several parts of Dimapur, disrupting normal life and vehicular movement until noon.
Low-lying areas including Half Nagarjan, Walford Colony, Burma Camp, Dhobinala, Sachu Colony, and Marwari Patti were among the worst affected, with rainwater inundating homes, shops, and business establishments. Many residents were forced to shift belongings to higher ground or temporarily evacuate.
Stranded vehicles and partially submerged roads added to the chaos in multiple pockets of the city. The water level of the Dhansiri River also rose alarmingly due to the incessant rainfall.
Residents blamed poor drainage systems and clogged culverts for the recurring problem of flooding during monsoon. One of the affected owners informed that over half of the colony’s households were affected, with water rising up to two to three feet inside homes. He expressed concern that construction of RCC houses along drainage lines has worsened the situation by blocking scope for drainage expansion.
No casualties or major injuries were reported at the time of filing this report. Weather forecasts indicate that Dimapur is likely to witness continued rainfall throughout the week, according to AccuWeather.
In light of the monsoon and the risk of flash floods, the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has advised the public to avoid riverside activities such as fishing and picnics. Village councils along riverbanks have been asked to strictly prohibit such activities until the end of the monsoon season.
For emergencies, the DDMA has issued helpline numbers: State Emergency Operation Centre: 1070 (Toll-free), 0370-2291120/22; State Disaster Response Force (SDRF): 9366819486 / 7005806182
Floods and landslides in Niuland
Niuland District Administration has informed that incessant rainfall experienced on the intervening night of July 4 and 5 has led to swelling of rivers and streams and resulting in widespread flooding across the district.
Large areas have been inundated, submerging residential houses and causing extensive damage to paddy fields, fishery ponds, plantations, farms, and roads. The calamity has affected more than 70 villages, displacing thousands of farmers and severely impacting their means of livelihood.
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It has further notified that one of the most affected routes, the road connecting S. Hetoyi Village and Ghokuto Village, has been rendered impassable due to a major landslide. A portion of the road has also been washed away, cutting off Ghokuto Village from all essential services, including medical aid and supplies of food and water.
The District Administration stated that it is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to assess the damage and provide emergency relief. Rescue and restoration efforts are underway, but continuous rainfall poses challenges to immediate access and relief operations.
