Morung Express News
Dimapur/Kohima | October 13
The International Day for Disaster Reduction which is observed on October 13 was commemorated in various districts in Nagaland under the theme ‘Toward a safer and resilient Nagaland.’
In Kohima, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) commemorated the Disaster Reduction Day at The Heritage with the participation of students from 12 schools.
The day was observed with an aim to encourage young citizens to help build a stronger and resilient community. Delivering the keynote address, Johnny Ruangmei, OSD, NSDMA encouraged the students to find ways to mitigate as well as coexist with disaster in recent climate change.
“We are in a new atmosphere with climate change. Nagaland has witnessed different patterns of rainfall this year and it will continue to change,” he said.
The OSD further urged the teachers to impart lessons particularly on disaster risk reduction and healthy lifestyles for students to adapt to climate change.
He also impressed on the need for the government to formulate and adopt policies for a safer environment in Nagaland.
“Many policymakers, administrators in Nagaland have not understood the economics of disaster,” said Ruangmai, while pointing out the absence of a disaster risk management strategy in the State and the continuing unsafe developmental activities carried out by both government and private sectors.
During the event, the Mithun Caravan- a kids friendly disaster drill was also carried out with students from 12 schools in Kohima participating in the activity.
The Mithun Caravan is a disaster prevention education event where children learn about disaster prevention which can be applied in practice with families and friends.
The activity is played by two teams with a maximum number of ten players in each team. The objective of the drill is to enhance the capacity of the children through set of games in order to enable children to understand the concept of Disaster Risk Reduction by making disaster prevention activities more familiar and enjoyable.
In Dimapur, the 12 Battalion National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Doimukh, Itanagar conducted an awareness programme at Dimapur Airport where the team demonstrated various techniques and measures to be undertaken in times of disasters.
Demonstrations included measures to be taken during instances of earthquake, general disaster and man-made disasters. For earthquake disasters, the team demonstrated techniques on drop cover hold, which include covering one’s head with hands and positioning oneself under firm and stable furniture.
For general disasters, the NDRF team demonstrated on how to make improvised stretchers using hands, blankets, sandbags and cloths. In cases of man-made disasters such as building collapses and train accidents, the team demonstrated techniques on lifting, moving and dragging the victims out of the debris or any object lying upon or above the victims.
The awareness programme was attended by Dimapur Airport Director, Mughavi Zhimo, airport staff and ground crew of Indigo Airlines including the security personnel stationed at the airport.
