The District Disaster Management Authority in Dimapur holds a pre-monsoon preparedness meeting to tackle flood risks.
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DIMAPUR — The first quarterly pre-monsoon preparedness meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Dimapur, was held at the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Purana Bazar on Wednesday.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DDMA Dimapur, Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, stated a DIPR report.
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 State Disaster Response Force (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 noted that public awareness on waste management and the causes of flooding are essential, adding that the role of the DDMA is not only to manage disasters but also to prevent them.
Inaka, Nodal Officer of DDMA Dimapur, said the district has learned important lessons from last year’s floods. He stated that dumping garbage into drains and waterways is one of the major causes of flooding, as it blocks 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.
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During the meeting, the Health and Family Welfare department informed that while manpower and ambulances are available, the department requires proper storage facilities for medicines and drugs, along with additional medical supplies.
Representatives from the Assam Rifles informed that two columns are on standby and ready to respond in case of any disaster. SDRF officials stated that personnel are well-trained and prepared but require additional manpower and improved equipment.
The Food and Civil Supplies department informed that there is no shortage of food supplies, while the Dimapur Municipal Council stated that it has already submitted an action plan to the DDMA and has carried out the cleaning of drains and streams. However, DMC officials said that the department alone could not manage the situation without active public cooperation.
The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industries also assured that there is no shortage of food items in the market.
Dr. Chang further informed that the chief secretary would visit Dimapur on May 18 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.