The first quarterly Pre-Monsoon Preparedness Meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dimapur, was held on May 13 at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Purana Bazar, Dimapur.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, DDMA Dimapur, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, who thanked all the line departments for attending the long-pending meeting and for their continued cooperation in disaster preparedness and response.
Highlighting the flood situation in Dimapur, Dr Chang said the district has been facing recurring flood problems and recalled that last year’s flood situation was very severe. He thanked the Assam Rifles and SDRF for their timely assistance during the disaster.
Dr Chang stated that if there were shortages of medicines, manpower, or inventory, the matter would be taken up with the government. He emphasized that public awareness on waste management and the causes of flooding was essential, adding that the role of DDMA was not only to manage disasters but also to prevent them.
Nodal Officer, DDMA Dimapur, Inaka, said the district had learned important lessons from last year’s floods. He stated that dumping of garbage into drains and waterways was one of the major causes of flooding as it blocked drainage systems. He stressed the need to identify relief camps before disasters strike and urged line departments to coordinate with colony leaders for identifying suitable locations.
During the meeting, the Health & Family Welfare Department informed that while manpower and ambulances are available, the department required proper storage facilities for medicines and drugs, along with additional medical supplies.
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Representatives from Assam Rifles informed that two columns were on standby and ready to respond in case of any disaster. SDRF officials stated that personnel were well-trained and prepared but required additional manpower and improved equipment.
The Food & Civil Supplies Department informed that there was no shortage of food supplies, while the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) stated that it had already submitted an action plan to DDMA and had carried out cleaning of drains and streams. However, DMC officials said that the department alone could not manage the situation without active public cooperation.
Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries (DCCI) also assured that there was no shortage of food items in the market.
Dr Chang further informed that the Chief Secretary would visit Dimapur on May 18, 2026, to inspect disaster-prone areas in the district. He also announced that a social work programme would be conducted next Saturday as part of the pre-monsoon preparedness activities.
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.
