With incessant rainfall continuing across Nagaland and the threat of landslides, flash floods and waterlogging increasing, district administrations and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have issued advisories urging residents to remain alert and strictly follow safety measures.
Kohima
Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, DDMA Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, advised residents to exercise caution during the monsoon season in view of forecasts predicting heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The advisory urged the public to avoid riverbanks, overflowing drains and streams, and refrain from non-essential travel during torrential rain, thunderstorms and cloudbursts. Residents have also been cautioned against venturing into landslide-prone areas and unstable riverbanks.
Citizens have been asked to regularly monitor weather updates, follow official advisories, cooperate with authorities during emergencies and refrain from spreading unverified information.
For emergencies, residents may contact the nearest administrative office, police station or village council, or call DDMA Kohima at 9436282824 or 9436449770. The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) can also be reached at 1070 (Toll Free), 112 (ERSS) and 0370-2270129/30.
Dimapur
The District Administration and DDMA Dimapur, headed by Deputy Commissioner, Dr Tinojongshi Chang, NCS, advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during heavy rainfall and stay away from flooded areas, rivers, streams and other water bodies.
The advisory also warned against approaching weak structures, damaged buildings, electric poles and fallen trees. Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid crossing flooded roads and bridges.
Residents have been advised to keep emergency medicines, essential items, important documents and torches readily available, remain prepared for evacuation if residing in vulnerable or low-lying areas, and rely only on official weather updates.
Emergency assistance is available through the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) at 9856302919 and the DDMA control room at 8131924008.
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Naginimora
Additional Deputy Commissioner Naginimora issued a public advisory following severe flooding caused by incessant rainfall and rising water levels in and around the sub-division.
The public has been directed to cooperate with the district administration, police and disaster management authorities, comply with evacuation orders, and avoid non-essential travel, especially near rivers, streams, bridges, flood-affected and landslide-prone areas.
Residents have also been advised not to cross flooded roads or bridges, avoid damaged electrical installations and fallen power lines, take care of children, elderly persons and other vulnerable groups, and rely only on official information.
For emergency assistance, the public may contact the ADC Office, Naginimora, at 9615671064 or 9383013379.
Mon
The DDMA Mon has also urged residents to remain vigilant as heavy rainfall has triggered landslides in several locations across the district, while flooding has affected parts of Tizit and Naginimora sub-divisions.
The advisory asked residents to avoid flooded and landslide-prone areas, refrain from travelling unless absolutely necessary during heavy rain, monitor weather updates and follow instructions issued by the district administration and disaster management authorities.
The public has also been urged to ensure the safety of children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities and immediately report emergencies, landslides, flooding or persons in distress.
For assistance, residents may contact DDMA Mon at 8974086492 or the nearest administrative office, police station or emergency response team.
The district administrations have appealed to citizens to remain calm, cooperate with authorities and avoid spreading rumours or unverified information during the ongoing monsoon season.
Kiphire:
The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kiphire, has urged residents to remain alert and take all necessary safety precautions.
It cautioned the public against visiting landslide- and mudslide-prone areas, steep slopes and other vulnerable locations. Residents have also been advised to remain watchful for early warning signs such as ground cracks, falling stones, tilting trees or electric poles, and unusual sounds that may indicate an impending landslide.
The DDMA has advised people not to approach or cross active landslides or unstable areas and to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly on roads susceptible to landslides and mudslides. Motorists have been urged to exercise extreme caution and avoid parking vehicles near unstable slopes, road cuttings or areas with loose soil and rocks.
The public has further been cautioned against fishing, swimming or lingering near swollen streams, overflowing drains and riverbeds, and not to cross flooded roads, streams or culverts where water flow is strong.
Residents have also been encouraged to keep an emergency kit ready with essential medicines, drinking water, dry food, a torch, batteries and important documents to ensure preparedness during emergencies.
For emergency assistance, citizens may contact the District Emergency Control Room (DEOC) at 8732093078. They may also reach the State Emergency Control Room (SEOC) at 0370-2270129 / 0370-2270130, or call the toll-free emergency helpline 1070.
