Torrential monsoon rains and severe landslides have crippled normal life across Nagaland, prompting the Indian Air Force (IAF) to execute large-scale relief and rescue operations. Working in close coordination with the Nagaland state government, the IAF successfully evacuated over 100 stranded citizens on Tuesday from remote locations where ground transport networks had completely collapsed. In addition to airlifting trapped residents, military aircraft and state government helicopters delivered emergency supplies to isolated pockets that remain inaccessible by road.
Airborne Supplies and Rescue of NPSC Exam Candidates
According to officials from the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), relentless rainfall has caused extensive damage across multiple districts. The road networks in Mon and Longleng districts have been severely disrupted by massive landslides, effectively cutting off these regions from the rest of the state. Facing severe accessibility challenges, the NSDMA requested urgent support from the IAF to conduct aerial evacuations and air-drop essential aid.
A notable success of the operation involved rescuing candidates traveling to take the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Combined Education Services examination. The candidates had become stranded along blocked highways, putting their educational futures in jeopardy before the IAF safely airlifted them out of the affected zones. Alongside these evacuations, relief drops delivered critical supplies to stranded populations, including food packets, medical kits, clothing, and other survival gear. NSDMA officials confirmed that airborne operations will continue as long as weather conditions and ground situations demand.
Ground Relief Distribution Accelerates Across Districts
While air operations focused on the most cut-off zones, ground-based relief work was simultaneously accelerated across other affected districts. In Mokokchung district, trucks loaded with essential relief supplies were dispatched toward Tuli to reinforce local stocks. In the Changtongya area, authorities distributed food rations and vital commodities directly to displaced families and stranded travelers who were unable to move due to road blockades.
Financial Aid Disbursed via Emergency Relief Fund
To alleviate immediate economic distress, District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) began disbursing direct financial aid under the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). In Wokha district, where incessant rains caused landslides that damaged residential structures and protective retaining walls, monetary compensation was provided to affected households.
Similarly, in Shamator district, Deputy Commissioner Arikumba personally handed over immediate financial assistance to two rain-impacted families. In Zunheboto district, five families suffering losses from landslides received financial aid under the ERF scheme. The NSDMA noted that necessary funds have already been allocated to all district administrations to expedite road clearance, debris removal, and emergency relief works.
High Alert Maintained as Chief Minister Coordinates Response
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio shared updates on the social media platform X, confirming that multi-agency teams are actively deployed across the state. Personnel from the Home Guards, Civil Defence, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working alongside local administration departments to restore normalcy. The Chief Minister emphasized that all agencies are operating with close synchronization to clear roads and assist affected communities. Currently, teams from the state government, IAF, SDRF, and district administrations remain on high alert as monsoon mitigation efforts continue.
