Severe Flooding and Landslides Disrupt Life in Tuli, Mokokchung

Kohima, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Continuous heavy rainfall has disrupted normal life in the Tuli subdivision of Mokokchung district, causing flooding, waterlogging, and landslides across several localities and affecting road connectivity and public institutions. The sudden onset of this severe weather has raised concerns among local authorities and residents alike, as such natural disasters can have long-lasting effects on communities, infrastructure, and the economy.

The Tuli administration has designated two relief shelters as a precautionary measure. These shelters have been set up at two schools, including one near the Additional Deputy Commissioner’s (ADC) office, where residents can find temporary refuge. ADC Tuli Imsenperong confirmed that no deaths, injuries, or missing persons had been reported as of Sunday evening, which is a relief considering the scale of the flooding.

In light of the flooding, police personnel have been actively assisting residents of waterlogged houses, ensuring that those affected are safe. Some individuals have sought refuge with relatives, highlighting the community's resilience and the importance of social networks during such crises. The affected areas include Tulikong and Shitikolak in the 17 Mile area, as well as Mendenti and Tuliyong in the 18 Mile area. Flooding has also been reported in low-lying areas between 17 Mile and 18 Mile, where the Milak River rose sharply following hours of rainfall, underscoring the vulnerability of these regions to heavy precipitation.

Public institutions such as the Tuli Police Station at Tulikong, the Government Primary School in Shitikolak Ward, and the Community Health Centre, Tuli, in Tuliyong Ward have also faced challenges due to waterlogging. However, ADC Imsenperong noted that no serious damage had been reported at these institutions, which is a positive indication of their structural integrity and preparedness for such events.

A landslide along the Tuli–Tzudikong road has further disrupted movement, and clearance work is currently underway. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by landslides, which can occur when heavy rains saturate the soil, leading to unstable slopes. “The rain stopped around 5 pm, but the water level in the town area has not subsided yet,” the ADC said, adding that the administration is hopeful for a decrease in water levels if weather conditions remain favorable.

Assessment of the damage and the number of affected households is still underway, as some areas remain inaccessible due to flooding and landslides. The administration is actively collecting information from the affected localities and plans to take stock of the situation once conditions improve. Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) from Mokokchung are on their way to assist local authorities, demonstrating the collaborative efforts between state and local agencies in response to the crisis.

In addition to the localized flooding in Tuli, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD, NH) Mokokchung Division, Er Lima Longkumer, reported that landslides have been observed at around 20 to 25 locations in and around the Mokokchung area, including four major slides along the Mokokchung–Tuli road stretch. Among these, two massive landslides between Merangkong and Tuli are the most serious, prompting immediate clearance efforts. Longkumer stated that clearance work began at around 4 pm on Sunday, with heavy machinery deployed at the affected locations, indicating the urgency of restoring access to these critical routes.

“We are trying to clear the road by tomorrow,” Longkumer said, referring to July 20. This statement reflects the commitment of local authorities to restore normalcy as quickly as possible, although the timeline for complete recovery remains uncertain. Fortunately, he confirmed that there have been no reports of landslides along the Mokokchung–Mariani road, which is a vital transportation link for the region.

In light of the ongoing situation, the administration has issued a public advisory urging residents and travelers to avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes. This precautionary measure is essential to ensure public safety and to allow emergency services to operate without obstruction. Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, in a statement, appealed to the public to avoid venturing into flooded zones, overflowing drains, streams, and riverbanks. The advisory emphasizes the need for caution, particularly during heavy downpours, and advises citizens to strictly avoid landslide-prone slopes and unstable embankments.

The administration has also instructed residents to monitor weather updates closely and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations, including children, elderly persons, and individuals with disabilities. An emergency control room has been activated to facilitate communication and response efforts. The public has been urged to report any distress, flooding, or landslides to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Mokokchung or contact the nearest Administrative Office, Police Station, or Emergency Response Team. This proactive approach aims to ensure that residents have access to support and resources during this critical time.

The District Administration is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the flooding and landslides. Citizens have been requested to remain calm, cooperate with authorities, and strictly avoid spreading unverified information or rumors, which can exacerbate panic and confusion in the community. The advisory has been issued in the interest of public safety as the district braces for further impact from the weather system.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of this severe weather event extend beyond immediate safety concerns. The economic impact on the affected areas, particularly in terms of agricultural productivity, local businesses, and infrastructure repair, will require careful assessment and planning. Community resilience will be tested, and the response from local and state authorities will play a critical role in determining the recovery trajectory for Tuli and its residents.

In conclusion, the ongoing flooding and landslides in Tuli, Mokokchung district, highlight the challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region. As communities come together to support one another and as authorities mobilize resources to address the crisis, the importance of preparedness and response planning becomes increasingly evident. The road to recovery will demand collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to rebuilding stronger and safer communities in the face of future challenges.