Another spell of heavy rains predicted in Nagaland

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Agency (NSDMA) has asked government departments responsible for roads and other infrastructures and the public to take precautionary measures after weather forecasters predicted another spell of widespread heavy rains in the state that is likely to last till September 12.

According to NSDMA weather forecast and the India meteorological department (IMD) regional office in Guwahati, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely to lash almost the entire state. Moderate to heavy rain and thundershower with moderate lightning strikes and strong wind are likely over Dimapur, Kiphire, Kohima, Longleng, Mokokchung, Mon, Peren, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha and Zunheboto districts.

According to reports, heavy rainfall is very likely all over Nagaland with a significant increase of heavy to very heavy rainfall from September 8 to 10, and will decrease thereafter.

“Intensity of rains would be more over northern parts. With this, threat of localised flooding and landslides cannot be ruled out,” the NSDMA cautioned.

It was further informed that the showers will be intermittent in nature. Chances of hailstorm also cannot be ruled out over a few areas, it said. The NSDMA said partial clearance will be seen on September 12.

The NSDMA and IMD said the upcoming showers can be attributed to the monsoon activity over northwest Odisha and neighbourhood, and over north Chhattisgarh and neighbourhood.

Monsoon rains this year caused large scale damage with floods and landslides cutting off several districts, especially Kiphire, Phek and Tuensang, from rest of the state besides claiming some lives, damaging croplands and rendering many people homeless.

Chief engineer, PWD (roads and bridges), Limatongdang Jamir said the state government would require Rs 140 crore for restoration of all roads damaged by the recent wave of floods and landslides.

While Rs 22.80 crore would be required for immediate restoration of roads as per a temporary assessment, permanent restoration would cost Rs 117.2 crore, he said.