At least eight people, including children, have been killed after a massive landslide tore through Defence Colony in Nagaland's Mon district on Sunday, with terrifying videos from the disaster site revealing the scale of destruction. Rescue agencies are continuing an intensive search operation amid relentless rainfall and fears that more people could still be trapped beneath the debris.

The landslide swept away around 15 houses, flattening residential structures and leaving large sections of the colony buried under mud, rocks and debris. Videos circulating from the area show collapsed homes, rescuers navigating unstable terrain and heavy machinery being deployed as emergency teams search for survivors.

Officials said four bodies have been recovered, while four more victims remain buried under the debris, taking the confirmed death toll to eight. Authorities cautioned that the final number of casualties may change as rescue personnel continue clearing the affected area.

The operation involves personnel from the Assam Rifles, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Nagaland Police, the Army, district administration and local volunteers. Rescue efforts have been complicated by continuous rainfall, unstable ground and water flowing through the landslide zone, increasing the risk of further slope failures.

The Nagaland government has announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased victim and Rs 74,000 for every injured person. Authorities also said affected families would receive food, temporary shelter, essential supplies and other eligible relief assistance.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed grief over the tragedy, saying the state government was closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that all available resources were being mobilised for rescue and relief operations. In a post on X, he offered condolences to the bereaved families and said agencies including the NSDMA, district administration, SDRF, police, Assam Rifles and local communities were working together on the ground.

Beyond Mon district, heavy rainfall has also triggered landslides, flash floods, road blockages and infrastructure damage in parts of Mokokchung district, including the Tuli subdivision, as well as several other areas across Nagaland.

Authorities have directed all departments to remain on high alert while continuing search and rescue operations, restoring road connectivity and supporting affected communities. Officials said additional manpower and specialised equipment would be deployed wherever weather and terrain conditions permit.

Residents have been urged to avoid landslide-prone slopes, riverbanks and vulnerable areas, follow advisories issued by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and district administrations, and rely only on official updates instead of unverified information circulating on social media.

Rescue operations are expected to continue round the clock until every person feared trapped has been accounted for, while heavy rainfall across Nagaland continues to pose a risk of fresh landslides.

With IANS inputs