Essential relief materials being loaded onto an Indian Air Force helicopter at Dimapur Airport for airlifting to the road-isolated district of Longleng. (Photo Courtesy: NSDMA)
Kohima, Jul 24 (MExN): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), in coordination with district administrations and line departments, has ramped up relief operations across the state as the ongoing monsoon continues to wreak havoc.
An update from NSDMA said that the IAF air operations on July 23 and 24 evacuated a total of 148 stranded passengers, including 43 from Mon and 105 from Longleng, while a state government helicopter requisitioned by the district administration airlifted another 41 passengers from Mon. The evacuees included students and aspirants of the Nagaland Public Service Commission Combined Entrance Examination (NPSC CESE) who were left stranded due to the disruption of road connectivity.
Simultaneously, the air operations facilitated the delivery of essential relief supplies to the cut-off districts. Consignments included food relief arranged by NSDMA through the Department of Food & Civil Supplies, along with medical kits and clothing contributed by the Konyak Students' Union, Kohima, and additional materials mobilised through the Donate Kart Foundation.
On the ground, a mini truck carrying relief materials was dispatched from Mokokchung Headquarters to Tuli, with a second consignment following, while ration relief was distributed to stranded and displaced families at Changtongya. Relief materials were also delivered to Patizung Ward for onward distribution.
Financial assistance has also been extended to affected families, with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Wokha disbursing Emergency Relief Fund (ERF) assistance to households whose houses and retaining walls were damaged by landslides. In Shamator, Deputy Commissioner & Chairman DDMA, Arikumba, handed over Immediate Relief assistance to two beneficiaries whose houses were damaged in landslides, while DDMA Zunheboto disbursed ERF assistance to five affected families, handed over by Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj, IAS.
The NSDMA has also been providing financial assistance to all districts for road and debris clearance. Damage assessments, restoration of essential services, and road clearance operations are being carried out on priority as the authority continues to monitor the evolving monsoon situation in close coordination with all agencies.
