Guwahati, Aug. 15 -- The Tuli Area Coal Mining Contractors' Association (TACMCA) has urged people in Assam and Nagaland to avoid making unverified claims about who or what caused the recent floods and landslides.

The association said the disaster had resulted in extensive damage to lives, homes, livelihoods, property and public infrastructure and should be considered in light of the several factors that can contribute to a major natural calamity.

TACMCA referred to the exceptionally heavy rainfall recorded in Nagaland on July 18, particularly in Mokokchung, Mon, Longleng and Wokha. It said the rainfall was several times above normal and resulted in unusually high water flow, creating conditions that could trigger flash floods.

Accordin...