At least eight people were killed and 15 others injured after heavy rainfall and a cloudburst triggered multiple landslides in Nagaland’s Mon district on Sunday morning, causing widespread destruction and disrupting communication networks across the region.
According to officials, landslides struck at least 11 locations in and around Mon town, the district headquarters bordering Myanmar, at around 6 a.m. The disaster damaged homes, blocked roads and cut off access to several areas, hampering rescue operations.
Mon Deputy Commissioner Wennyei Konyak said all eight fatalities occurred at one location. Rescue teams had recovered four bodies—three women and one man—by Sunday evening, while search operations continued for the remaining victims. Twelve houses were destroyed at the site, with additional damage reported at 10 other locations across the town.
Residents from vulnerable areas were evacuated to safer locations as a precaution.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said heavy rainfall also affected parts of Longleng and Mokokchung districts, where landslides, flash floods and road blockages disrupted normal life. However, no casualties were reported from those districts.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed grief over the loss of lives and said the state government was closely monitoring the situation. He announced an ex gratia of ₹4 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹74,000 for every injured survivor.
Search and rescue operations are being carried out jointly by the NSDMA, District Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), district administration, police, Assam Rifles and local volunteers.
Rajya Sabha MP S. Phangnon Konyak, who represents the region, said incessant rainfall and a cloudburst had caused extensive damage across Mon district. She urged telecom service providers and authorities to restore and maintain mobile and internet connectivity to facilitate rescue efforts, emergency communication and dissemination of public advisories.
The state government said relief materials, including food, temporary shelter, essential supplies and other assistance, were being provided to affected families. It also directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert and ensure coordinated efforts for rescue, restoration of connectivity and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, heavy rain also triggered a landslide in Guwahati’s Kharghuli area on Sunday morning after the retaining wall of a homestay collapsed, damaging at least six parked two-wheelers. No injuries were reported in the incident.
