More Than 130 Families Devastated as Dikhow Flood Ravages Kamal Chapori

NAZIRA, August 14, 2026 — More than 130 families in Lakshmijan-Kamal Chapori under Nazira subdivision have been left struggling to rebuild after the catastrophic Dikhow River flood destroyed homes, property and livelihoods on July 19.

More than 50 families in Kamal Chapori reportedly lost their homes completely. Even after the floodwaters receded, many residents have been unable to return because thick layers of silt, reaching more than a foot deep in some places, continue to cover homes and surrounding land.

The flood also damaged a Namghar and a church, while livestock were reportedly swept away.

Among those whose homes were reportedly destroyed are Raja Limbu, Ajay Limbu, Gopal Tamang, Tarzan Tamang, Budhi Tamang, Ramesh Tamang, Narayan Thapa, Jiyan Rai, Karan Limbu, Nakali Limbu, Shoshila Limbu, Kali Thapa, Bhalu Limbu, Kalebrat Limbu, Putali Limbu, Umi Limbu and Shyambor Thapa, among others.

Residents point to stone mining

Residents have raised serious allegations about years of stone extraction along the Dikhow River and adjoining areas near the Assam-Nagaland border.

They say extensive mining has been carried out in Bihubar, Augurijan, Chontak, Nepali Khuti, Lakshmijan, Barshil, Bamun Pukhuri and Kamal Chapori. According to them, excavation has left deep, lake-like pits across parts of the landscape.

Residents claimed that when the Dikhow rose sharply on July 19, floodwaters rushed through these excavated areas, contributing to the scale and force of the flooding.

Deep pits can still reportedly be seen along a 150–200 metre stretch beside the river. Locals alleged that excavators and other heavy machinery had been extensively used for stone extraction over the years, including at night.

They claim unregulated extraction from the riverbed and adjoining areas has continued since around 2015 and allege that the resulting environmental damage contributed to the severity of the disaster.

The allegations have not been independently established in this report.

Several settlements under the Lakshmijan Forest Range Office, including Barshil, Bamun Pukhuri, Kamal Chapori, Nepali Basti and Chomoni Pam, were severely affected.

Volunteers join the cleanup

With tonnes of silt still blocking homes and public buildings, affected families have begun the difficult task of clearing what remains of their villages.

A 15-member team of the All India Congress Seva Dal visited Lakshmijan-Kamal Chapori and joined the cleanup effort. Led by All India Congress Seva Dal chairman Srinivas, former Nazira MLA Debabrata Saikia and Darang District Congress Committee president Rijumoni Talukdar, the volunteers used spades and shovels to remove silt from the Namghar, church and several houses.

The team also distributed beds, utensils, clothes and food among affected families.

For elderly residents and households whose homes remain buried under silt, even reaching the surviving parts of their houses has become a daily challenge.

Saikia criticised the government's handling of the post-flood situation, alleging that families who lost homes and belongings were still struggling to access the promised ₹15,000 assistance.

He said the priority should be to help affected people clean their homes and begin rebuilding their lives.

In Kamal Chapori, however, the immediate challenge remains visible everywhere: families are still clearing mud, salvaging what they can and searching for a way to start again.