Tragic Landslide Claims Lives of Two Teenagers in Nagaland

A devastating landslide in Mokokchung, Nagaland, has claimed the lives of two teenage brothers, Muwalong and Thridiba Sangtam, while their mother was injured. The incident occurred early Wednesday as heavy monsoon rains triggered landslides across the state, disrupting normal life. The brothers had recently returned to Mokokchung for school after the summer break. Rescue operations are underway, with the Indian Air Force assisting in evacuations and delivering relief supplies to affected areas. This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the relentless monsoon season in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 30, 2026, 13:49 IST

Landslide Incident in Mokokchung

Rescue teams at the site of the landslide. (Photo:X)

Kohima, July 29: In a heartbreaking incident, two teenage brothers lost their lives, and their mother was injured when a hillside collapsed onto their rented home in Mokokchung, Nagaland, early Wednesday morning. This tragedy unfolded as continuous monsoon rains led to landslides, severely affecting daily life in the region.

The victims have been identified as Muwalong Sangtam, aged 19, a Class XII student, and his younger brother Thridiba Sangtam, 16, who was in Class XI at Queen Mary Higher Secondary School in Mokokchung.

Their mother, who suffered injuries during the landslide, is currently receiving medical care at the Imkongliba Memorial District Hospital in Mokokchung.

According to officials from the State Disaster Management Department, the landslide occurred around 12:40 AM in Upper Penli Ward, burying the family's rented residence.

Originally from Alisophur village in Tuensang district, the brothers had just returned to Mokokchung a few days prior, following the reopening of schools on July 28 after the summer break.

Local residents reported that the heavy rainfall throughout the night was the catalyst for the landslide, which caused significant destruction to the house.

The bodies of the brothers were later transported back to their village, where they were met with sorrowful family members, village elders, and community members before their burial.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of severe monsoon rainfall that has impacted Nagaland, leading to additional landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and significant disruptions to road access across various districts.

Officials noted that crucial roadways have been blocked for over a week, isolating numerous areas and hindering the transport of people and essential goods.

With road access to Mon and Longleng districts still unavailable, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has called upon the Indian Air Force (IAF) to assist in evacuating stranded individuals and delivering relief supplies to hard-to-reach locations.

In collaboration with the state government, the IAF has successfully evacuated over 300 stranded civilians from various sites while also transporting vital supplies to remote districts affected by road damage.

Additionally, a state government helicopter has been deployed to enhance the ongoing evacuation and relief efforts.

The NSDMA has indicated that the state government is intensifying its disaster response as the relentless monsoon rains continue to trigger landslides and disrupt transportation throughout Nagaland.