The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2026 on the theme “Resilience Starts at Home” at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on Tuesday, highlighting the need for household preparedness, community participation and coordinated efforts to strengthen disaster resilience across the state.
The programme emphasised the importance of moving beyond emergency response towards prevention, mitigation and preparedness to minimise loss of life and damage to property.
Nagaland remains vulnerable to natural hazards, particularly landslides and floods during the monsoon season. Recent monsoon-related damage to houses, roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure has further underscored the need to strengthen disaster preparedness at the community level.
The theme, “Resilience Starts at Home,” highlights the role of individuals and families in disaster risk reduction through awareness of local hazards, knowledge of evacuation procedures, preparation of emergency supplies and adherence to official warnings. It also stresses collective responsibility among households, village councils, urban local bodies, educational institutions and government agencies.
Delivering the keynote address, Advisor to NSDMA and Inland Waterways, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe, stressed the importance of preparedness at household and community levels. He called for greater public awareness, preventive measures and coordinated efforts to minimise casualties and property damage.
Nyuthe underscored that disaster management required collective action by the government, response agencies and the public, with adequate attention to preparedness and mitigation alongside response and recovery.
The observance also recognised the service and performance of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) through the presentation of commendation awards. The SDRF Dimapur Unit received the “Best Performing SDRF Unit” award, while Home Guard T. Nokyuh Konyak of SDRF Mon received the “SDRF Commendation Certificate” in recognition of service and contributions to disaster response and emergency preparedness.
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The programme highlighted the role of Home Guards, Civil Defence and the SDRF in rescue operations, evacuation, emergency response and assistance during disasters. It also stressed the need for continued capacity building, regular training, mock drills and operational readiness to ensure effective responses during emergencies.
Deputy Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, Medozhalie Pienyii, also addressed the gathering. The SDRF Unit, Kohima, presented a special song as part of the observance.
The technical session featured a presentation by the District Commandant, Dimapur, and an experience-sharing session by the Company Commander, Mon district, focusing on operational experiences and lessons from SDRF field activities. An interactive session provided an opportunity for participants to discuss disaster management, coordination and response preparedness.
Through the observance, NSDMA reiterated the importance of strengthening disaster risk reduction and promoting a culture of safety across Nagaland. The programme reinforced the message that resilience begins with preparedness at home, extends to communities and is strengthened through coordinated institutional efforts.
