A massive landslide has devastated Mon town in Nagaland, sweeping away several houses and killing three people, while four others are feared trapped beneath the debris as relentless rain, unstable slopes and gushing water make rescue operations extremely challenging.
A cluster of around 10-15 houses was affected in the landslide, with reports suggesting that several people, including four women, may be trapped beneath the debris. Rescue teams from the Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force and Nagaland Police are carrying out search and rescue operations despite persistent rain, fresh landslides and difficult terrain.
The disaster has caused widespread damage in Mon, the district headquarters, with houses, roads and public infrastructure affected. Officials said the bodies of a woman and a man had been recovered from the rubble, while the death toll could rise as rescue teams continue to search the affected areas.
The massive landslide reportedly struck Mon town in the morning, allegedly in an area below the Assam Rifles camp. More than 10 houses, including reinforced concrete structures, were reportedly buried or washed away by the landslide.
Several parts of the town were also inundated, while major routes were blocked by landslides following hours of heavy rainfall.
Persistent rain, fresh landslides and fast-flowing water have made it difficult for emergency teams to reach the affected areas. The challenging terrain has further slowed the rescue operation as teams search for survivors trapped under the debris.
The exact number of people trapped remains unclear.
Johnny Ruangmei, joint CEO of the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, said incessant rainfall since early Sunday had triggered flash floods and waterlogging in low-lying areas.
He said landslides along hill slopes had blocked key roads and disrupted traffic in several areas.
Families from affected locations have been moved to safer places, while relief measures have been started. Authorities have also asked residents to stay away from landslide-prone areas, riverbanks and flood-hit locations as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
The Assam Rifles, NDRF and Nagaland Police are engaged in search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Officials are continuing efforts to locate people who may be trapped beneath the debris.
The ongoing rain and the possibility of further landslides have made the operation particularly difficult.
Authorities are monitoring the situation as the extent of the damage continues to emerge.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed "deep distress" over the loss of lives and the damage caused by the disaster. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.
In a post on X, Rio said the state government was closely monitoring the situation and that the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, district administration, State Disaster Response Force, police and Assam Rifles were involved in search and rescue operations.
Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also expressed grief and said the authorities were coordinating search, rescue and relief efforts.
With heavy rain expected to continue, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and avoid vulnerable areas. Mon town remains severely affected by the rain-triggered disaster, with rescue teams continuing to search for those trapped and assess the damage caused by the landslides and flash floods.
