DIMAPUR, July 7: Nagaland is reeling under one of its worst flood crises in recent years, with at least three people dead, flight operations suspended, and key highways blocked, as incessant monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts.

The victims, including a woman, were reportedly electrocuted in separate incidents in Burma Camp, Police Colony, and Kuda Village in Dimapur over the weekend. One of the deceased was allegedly trying to disconnect an inverter submerged in floodwater when the fatal incident occurred. Two others — a man from the Zeliangrong community and another of Bengali origin — also died in similar circumstances, sources confirmed.

Floodwaters have submerged homes, roads, and public infrastructure, displacing dozens and paralyzing daily life. Visuals from Half-Nagarjan and Netaji Colony show residents wading through waist-deep water, while some were seen using boats and fishing nets to navigate submerged localities near the Fish Brooding Centre. Evacuation efforts led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) successfully rescued 52 residents, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, from Netaji and Mount View colonies.

In Niuland district, over 70 villages are affected, with submerged bridges, homes, fisheries, and paddy fields, sparking concerns over long-term food security. Chümoukedima has also reported rising water levels and crop damage, though detailed assessments are still underway.

The flooding has severely hit connectivity. On Sunday, Dimapur Airport suspended all operations after water submerged the runway and parking areas, forcing cancellations of flights by IndiGo and Air India Express. Passengers have been advised to check with airlines for updates.

Simultaneously, National Highway 29, a crucial lifeline connecting Dimapur and Kohima, has been blocked due to landslides, stranding vehicles and disrupting transport of goods and emergency services.

Authorities have diverted traffic where possible, such as redirecting Nagarjan-bound vehicles via Government Higher Secondary School and Imkonglenden Colony, as several arterial roads became impassable.

While Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang confirmed that water levels had started receding slightly after no fresh rain was recorded Sunday night, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall for the week ahead.