Kohima: At least one person was killed and a child is feared trapped after a massive landslide struck Defence Colony in Nagaland’s Mon district on Sunday, sweeping away several houses and triggering an extensive multi-agency rescue operation.
Authorities said around 15 houses were severely damaged as the landslide buried residential areas under mud and debris. Rescue teams are continuing search operations amid challenging weather and unstable ground conditions.
Multi-agency rescue teams deployed amid difficult conditions
Personnel from the Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police, the Indian Army, district administration and local volunteers have been deployed to carry out search and rescue operations.
Officials confirmed that the body of one victim has been recovered, while efforts are underway to locate a child believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
Authorities fear that more people could still be buried under the landslide, although the exact number of missing persons has not yet been confirmed.
Heavy rain hampers rescue efforts
According to officials, continuous rainfall, waterlogging and unstable terrain have significantly slowed rescue operations.
The landslide caused extensive destruction, washing away several houses and leaving behind large piles of mud, rocks and debris. Rescue teams are using specialised equipment and heavy machinery wherever possible, but the difficult conditions continue to pose risks to both survivors and emergency personnel.
A detailed assessment of casualties and property damage will be carried out after the area is declared safe.
Nagaland government monitoring situation
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed grief over the tragedy and said the state government is closely monitoring the situation.
He stated that disaster response agencies, district authorities, police, Assam Rifles and local volunteers are working together to rescue those trapped and provide relief to affected families.
The Chief Minister also announced immediate ex gratia assistance for the families of those who lost their lives and relief support for people affected by the disaster.
Heavy rainfall raises fresh landslide threat
Authorities have advised residents living near hillsides and landslide-prone areas to remain alert as heavy rainfall continues across Nagaland and other parts of the Northeast.
Officials warned that persistent rain could trigger additional landslides, prompting disaster management agencies to remain on high alert. Rescue operations will continue until all those feared trapped have been located and the affected area is declared safe.