Inter-ministerial team assesses landslide, flood damage in Peren district

DIMAPUR — An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) from Delhi on Thursday visited Peren district to assess the extent of damage caused by this year’s monsoon-triggered landslides and flash floods, and to review relief measures undertaken by the state government.

The visit comes in the wake of the team’s inspections in Dimapur and Chümoukedima on Wednesday.

According to a DIPR update, a review meeting was held at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall, where officials discussed sector-wise losses and requirements for additional central assistance.

The IMCT was led by Gaya Prasad, Joint Secretary of Home Affairs, and comprised Sanjeep Kumar Suma, Director; Dheeraj, Regional Officer; Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Director (FCD); Chahat Singh, Assistant Commissioner; and Nirmala S Jain, Scientist/Engineer (SE).

Johny Ruangmei, Joint CEO of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, also accompanied the team.

Deputy Commissioner of Peren, Hiazu Meru, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the impact of continuous heavy rainfall on the district.

Also read: Central team assesses flood and landslide damage in Chümoukedima, Sovima

He reported multiple landslides across residential colonies, resulting in severe damage to homes, agricultural land and essential infrastructure.

Paddy fields and king chilli plantations—key crops for the district—were among the worst affected.

Meru also highlighted extensive losses to Agriculture and Horticulture departments, including crop destruction, defoliation, and pest infestations following the prolonged monsoon.

He informed the visiting team about fire-related incidents and damage to irrigation structures such as dams, channels and earthen conduits.

The DC further noted that alternative routes—particularly the Pimla–Mhainamtsi stretch used to divert vehicles during the NH-29 Patkai–Kukidolong blockade—had also suffered landslide damage, disrupting connectivity during the crisis.

IMCT leader Gaya Prasad said that the team had reviewed the scale of destruction through the district’s presentation and directed various departments to share detailed reports of losses incurred.

He assured that the inputs collected would be used to examine admissibility of additional central assistance.