Chief Secretary, NSDMA Advisor visit flood-hit Dimapur; ex-gratia paid to victims' families

Dimapur DC says 914 stranded individuals successfully evacuated so far

DIMAPUR — Chief Secretary Dr. J Alam and Advisor for Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) Z Nyusietho Nyuthe visited flood-affected areas and relief camps in Dimapur on Wednesday following days of incessant rainfall that led to widespread flooding and the tragic loss of three lives so far.

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Dimapur extended financial assistance to the families of the three victims who died due to electrocution amid the floods.

Each bereaved family received an ex-gratia payment of INR 4 lakh during a brief stopover at Kuda village. Additionally, the chief secretary personally donated INR 1 lakh to the infant daughter of one of the victims.

During the visit, Dr. Alam and Nyuthe inspected several affected sites including the National Highway stretch near Olive Hospital Junction, and the relief camps at BSNL quarters in Walford, Burma Camp, and Medical colony.

Later, they addressed the media at the Dimapur deputy commissioner’s conference room.

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Dr. Alam assured that the government would provide all necessary support to Dimapur. He said that the purpose of their visit was to assess and act, adding that the concerns raised by residents during the visit were duly noted for further review.

A comprehensive plan will be developed in consultation with relevant departments in Kohima, he said.

Responding to queries about land encroachment and poor waste management, the chief secretary acknowledged that lack of maintenance may have exacerbated the flood impact.

He informed that a survey to identify vulnerable spots is underway and will take around two weeks. The findings will inform necessary corrective measures, he said.

Highlighting recent developments, Dr. Alam mentioned the successful eviction drive at Dimapur Airport, attributing it to strong community support and collaboration among “organisations, administration, and departments.”

The chief secretary expressed confidence that land encroachment can be addressed with similar public cooperation.

He noted that drainage capacity in some colonies had significantly declined, and most drains are now being used as waste channels, worsening the flood situation.

He added that residents also requested the diversion of certain drains, which will be examined as part of the post-survey planning.

On rainfall data, Dr. Alam said that Dimapur received 400 mm of rain in just four days (July 4–7), and 661 mm from July 1 to date. In comparison, the total rainfall for June and July in 2024 was only 219 mm.

“This was an unprecedented event,” he said, citing flash floods, fatalities, property damage, and disruption to road connectivity.

NSDMA Advisor Nyuthe remarked that the recent flood “has challenged and awakened us.” He stressed the need for improved civic sense, stating that Dimapur’s drainage infrastructure cannot meet the demands of its growing population.

The indiscriminate dumping of waste into drains, he said, further worsens the situation.

With the recent establishment of an elected civic body in place, he called on both the public and civic authorities to raise issues and work in unison to address such problems. “Natural disasters may be unavoidable, but man-made disasters are preventable,” he said, underscoring collective responsibility.

Dimapur Deputy Commissioner Dr. Tinojongshi Chang provided updates on relief efforts, stating that DDMA, in collaboration with Councillors, DUCCF, and GBs, is assessing damage and will soon submit a comprehensive report to the government of Nagaland.

He informed that 914 stranded individuals have been successfully evacuated so far, and relief and data collection efforts are ongoing.