Continuous heavy rains caused a major disaster in Nagaland's Mon district on Sunday. At least eight people were killed in a massive landslide in the Defence Colony area, while several others are feared trapped. Ten to fifteen houses were completely affected, with 13 severely damaged. The administration, army, and disaster relief agencies are jointly conducting rescue operations on a war footing, but the incessant rain and unstable mountainous terrain are posing significant difficulties.

Mon Deputy Commissioner Wenyei Konyak said that four bodies have been recovered so far, while four others have been confirmed buried. The deceased include three women and one man. Additionally, 12 people have been injured and are undergoing treatment. He said that Mon town and Tizit areas are the worst affected. The landslide was reported between 6 and 7 a.m. following heavy rains that began around 1 a.m. Saturday, prompting a rescue operation.

The SDRF, NDRF, Nagaland Police, Assam Rifles, the district administration, and local volunteers are continuously engaged in relief and rescue operations. Search operations are still ongoing in several locations, as it is feared that some people may still be trapped under the debris.

According to Defense Ministry officials, landslides and waterlogging have persisted in other parts of Mon town due to the incessant rains. Rapid erosion of the river banks is threatening several more houses. The administration is making arrangements to evacuate affected families to safer locations and accommodate them in temporary relief camps.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep grief over the accident and announced immediate ex-gratia payments to the families of the deceased and all possible assistance to the affected families. He said the state government is closely monitoring the situation and has directed all relevant agencies to expedite relief and rescue operations. Additionally, in light of the Indian Meteorological Department's warning of heavy rainfall in the coming days, people have been urged to stay away from landslide-prone areas, river banks, and unsafe slopes.

Monsoon continues to wreak havoc in North and East India

The effects of the monsoon are being felt in several states in North, East, and Northeast India. At least 16 people lost their lives in various states on Sunday due to heavy rains, landslides, and flash floods. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rainfall in these areas for the next six to seven days, advising people to remain vigilant.

The most severe damage occurred in Jammu and Kashmir, where landslides and flash floods following heavy rains in Poonch and Rajouri districts killed 11 people, while several others are still missing. Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are deployed on the spot for relief and rescue operations. As a precautionary measure, the Amarnath Yatra has been temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to inclement weather.

Two people died due to lightning in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Due to continuous rains, 84 roads in the state, including two national highways, have been closed. Red and orange alerts have been issued in several districts.

Meanwhile, three people have died due to flash floods in Kohima, the capital of Nagaland. Many houses have been damaged and life has been affected due to the closure of major roads. Meanwhile, an alert for heavy rain has been issued in the northern districts of West Bengal for the next two days. The Meteorological Department has warned of rising water levels in rivers like Teesta, Torsa, Jaldhaka and Raidak, fearing landslides in hilly areas and flooding in low-lying areas.