Dimapur, Nagaland is grappling with the aftermath of severe flash floods, triggered by an extraordinary spell of torrential rain. On Wednesday, a high-level delegation led by Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor for the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), and Dr. J. Alam, State Chief Secretary, conducted an extensive inspection of the hardest-hit areas, revealing the dire situation and underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive flood mitigation strategies.
As NSDMA Advisor Assesses Flood Impact in Dimapur, Chief Secretary Dr. J. Alam described the situation in Dimapur as “almost like a disaster,” citing unprecedented rainfall levels over the past four to five days. The statistics are stark:
* July 4: 95.5 mm
* July 5: 92.4 mm
* July 6: 76.5 mm
* July 7: 122 mm
This totals nearly 400 mm of rain in just four days. To put this in perspective, Dr. Alam noted that Dimapur received only 474 mm during June-July in 2023 and a mere 219 mm in 2024. Shockingly, Dimapur has already recorded approximately 661 mm of rainfall in July alone this year. This intense downpour, far exceeding the typical daily average of 20 mm, has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure and led to widespread inundation.
The inspection team, which included Dimapur DC Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, Commissioner of Police K. Sophie, NSDMA Joint CEO Johnny Ruangmei, and other officials, visited critical locations such as Olive Hospital Junction, Burma Camp, Dhansiri Bridge, Walford relief camp, Vilhume Colony, and Kuda Village. The team also assessed the NH-29 stretch of the Kohima-Dimapur road, expressing concern over vulnerable sections.
Advisor Nyuthe pinpointed several human factors that significantly worsened the flood impact. He asserted that the scale of damage could have been “mitigated had timely action been taken, particularly in clearing clogged drains.” Nyuthe highlighted that many existing drains are too narrow to handle current water volumes, emphasizing the critical need for their extension to accommodate the growing population.
Furthermore, Nyuthe lamented the prevalent issue of garbage disposal into drains and encroachment, which severely impede water flow. He urged colony and village councils to play a proactive role in sensitizing residents about civic cleanliness and effectively managing drainage systems.
Addressing queries about land encroachment, Chief Secretary Dr. Alam confirmed that a survey is underway, promising government action once it’s complete. He cited the successful evacuation of encroached land around Dimapur Airport, attributing it to community cooperation, and appealed for similar support in the current situation.
Dimapur DC Dr. Tinojongshi Chang provided an update on the flood-affected victims, stating that while no homes have been completely washed away, assessments are ongoing, and a full report will be submitted to the state government. He confirmed that 914 stranded individuals were successfully rescued, and relief camps have been established in various strategic locations.
Regarding flood relief funds, NSDMA Joint CEO Johnny Ruangmei clarified that allocations adhere to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) guidelines. He explained that disaster assistance is categorized into “loss” and “damage,” with relief serving as immediate aid for loss, while infrastructural damage falls under other concerned departments.
In a serious moment at Kuda Village Council Hall, Advisor Nyuthe extended an ex-gratia amount of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of three individuals who tragically lost their lives due to electrocution during the floods.
The chief secretary assured the media that the inspection team would return to Kohima to deliberate with relevant departments, aiming to address the situation effectively and prevent future recurrences of such severe flooding in Dimapur. The recent deluge serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved urban planning, robust drainage infrastructure, and greater community involvement in maintaining civic cleanliness to safeguard Dimapur against the increasing threats of climate-induced disasters.