Guwahati: Altogether eight people died and 12 sustained injuries after a massive landslide struck Nagaland’s Mon district headquarters early on Sunday. Four bodies were recovered so far, and officials said the death toll could rise as four more bodies remain trapped under the debris.The landslide hit a hillside area where several houses were built, burying residents as structures collapsed within minutes, officials said. A govt statement said the landslide occurred at around 6:30 am in Mon town, causing fatalities and extensive damage to property and infrastructure. A cluster of 10 to 15 houses was affected.The incident followed multiple landslides reported across Mon district after incessant rain lashed several parts of Nagaland over the past 24 hours. According to IMD, Nagaland recorded very heavy rainfall of 12-20 cm during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Sunday. Residents of Mon town said heavy rain began around midnight and continued for several hours.Officials said search and rescue operations continued under challenging conditions.Mon deputy commissioner Wennyei Konyak confirmed that eight people died in the landslide. “Among those whose bodies were recovered, three are female and one male. At 7:30 pm, we had to close the rescue operations today. It will resume on Monday morning,” Konyak told TOI.He said the site of the tragedy was the worst-hit among 10 locations in Mon town affected by landslides. “After a very long time, such an incident happened in the town. We were surprised,” he said.CM Neiphiu Rio expressed grief over the tragedy and extended condolences to the bereaved families. He said the state govt is closely monitoring the situation, while the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, district administration, District Disaster Management Authority, State Disaster Response Force, police, Assam Rifles and local residents are engaged in rescue operations.“Deeply distressing reports of heavy landslides in Mon. My heartfelt condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones. The state govt is closely monitoring the situation,” Rio said in a social media post, adding that the govt would provide immediate ex gratia assistance to the families of those killed and relief to the affected.
