Two vehicles stranded on a flooded road following heavy rainfall in Dimapur on July 6, 2025. Several localities in Dimapur and adjoining districts were left inundated after incessant rain between July 5 and 6. (File Photo Courtesy by Caisii Mao)
Chief Secretary to inspect disaster-prone areas on May 18
Dimapur, May 13 (MExN): Recurring urban flooding, blocked drainage systems caused by improper waste disposal, and the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination emerged as the key concerns during the first quarterly pre-monsoon preparedness meeting of the Dimapur District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA held on May 13.
Chairing the meeting held, Deputy Commissioner Dr Tinojongshi Chang, who also heads DDMA Dimapur, said the district continues to face annual flood-related challenges and recalled that last year’s floods had severely affected several areas.
He acknowledged the timely support extended by the Assam Rifles and the State Disaster Response Force during previous emergencies.
Emphasising that disaster management should focus as much on prevention as response, Chang stressed the need for greater public awareness on waste management and the factors contributing to flooding. He also assured that any shortages of medicines, workforce, or emergency inventory would be taken up with the government.
Meanwhile, the DC informed that the Chief Secretary is scheduled to visit Dimapur on May 18 to inspect disaster-prone areas.
A social work programme is also planned next Saturday as part of the district’s pre-monsoon preparedness efforts.
DDMA Nodal Officer Inaka said one of the major lessons from last year’s floods was the impact of garbage dumped into drains and waterways, which obstructed drainage channels and worsened waterlogging.
He also stressed the importance of identifying relief camps in advance and urged line departments to coordinate with colony leaders to locate suitable shelters before any emergency arises.
During the meeting, the Health & Family Welfare Department informed that while manpower and ambulances were available, additional medical supplies and proper storage facilities for medicines were required.
Representatives from the Assam Rifles said two columns had been kept on standby for emergency deployment, while SDRF officials stated that personnel were trained and prepared but required additional manpower and upgraded equipment.
The Dimapur Municipal Council informed the meeting that drain and stream cleaning had already been undertaken as part of its action plan. However, officials maintained that flood mitigation efforts would remain difficult without active public cooperation in keeping drainage channels free of waste.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries and the Food & Civil Supplies Department assured that there was no shortage of essential food items.
Officials from various departments and agencies and other stakeholders attended the meeting and discussed preparedness measures, emergency response mechanisms, and inter-departmental coordination to tackle possible monsoon-related disasters in the district, informed the State DIPR.
