The Indian Air Force (IAF), requisitioned by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, Government of Nagaland, continued its aerial humanitarian operations for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday, successfully evacuating 42 stranded passengers from the disaster-hit EAC Headquarters, Namsang Circle in Longleng district despite challenging weather conditions.
Two IAF helicopters operating from Air Force Station Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam, were deployed for the rescue mission. The first helicopter airlifted 20 passengers, while the second evacuated 22 passengers, with both sorties landing safely at Dimapur Airport.
The evacuees included elderly persons, women, children and students who had travelled to Namsang during the summer vacation but were left stranded after monsoon-triggered landslides and road damage cut off surface connectivity to the area.
According to the NSDMA, the operation was carried out by the same Indian Air Force team that has been conducting rescue missions since July 23, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and commitment in supporting the state’s humanitarian response despite adverse weather conditions.
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While passenger evacuation continued successfully, the planned airlifting of approximately 4.5 metric tonnes of essential relief materials to Namsang, Longleng district could not be carried out due to unfavourable weather. Authorities stated that both evacuation and relief operations would continue, subject to weather conditions and operational feasibility.
The NSDMA said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in coordination with the Longleng District Administration, the Indian Air Force and other responding agencies to ensure timely rescue and relief assistance for affected residents.
The authority expressed its appreciation to the Indian Air Force, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Dimapur Airport, Air Traffic Control (ATC), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indian Oil Skytanking Private Limited (IOSPL), terminal management, the district administrations of Chumoukedima, Mon and Longleng, the respective District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), line departments, emergency responders, volunteers and all stakeholders for their dedicated efforts in safeguarding lives and delivering humanitarian assistance during the ongoing monsoon crisis.
