Nagaland districts issue monsoon advisories and strengthen disaster preparedness amid continuous rainfall.
DIMAPUR — District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) in Chümoukedima, Longleng and Phek have issued public advisories urging residents to remain vigilant during the ongoing monsoon season.
Chümoukedima: According to a DIPR report, the DDMA Chümoukedima issued a public advisory in view of the prevailing monsoon season and continuous rainfall across the district, urging citizens to take necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
The advisory cautioned the public against venturing into flooded areas, overflowing drains, streams, culverts and other low-lying water bodies where strong currents and unpredictable water depths may pose serious risks. Citizens were also advised to avoid entering the Chathe River, Dhansiri River and other rivers and streams for bathing, swimming, fishing, picnicking or recreational activities during the monsoon season due to the risk of drowning and sudden rise in water levels.
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The DDMA further warned against unauthorised excavation of riverbanks, extraction of sand, gravel or boulders, and road or earth-cutting activities that could weaken roads, bridges, embankments and other public infrastructure. It stated that such activities would invite action under relevant laws.
Residents living near rivers, flood-prone areas, hill slopes and landslide-prone locations were advised to remain alert and shift to safer places immediately if any risk is detected or if instructed by the authorities. Parents and guardians were urged to ensure that children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities stay away from rivers, drains, flooded areas and unstable slopes.
The advisory recommended avoiding unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly at night. Commuters were advised to exercise extreme caution along vulnerable stretches of NH-29, especially the Tsiedukhru section between Chathe Bridge, Unity Gate and Khuokhri Bridge at Kudidolong village, and the landslide-prone areas of Pherima, Tsiepama and Piphema. Motorists were urged to follow traffic diversions and instructions issued by the authorities.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) and Chairman of DDMA Chümoukedima, Polan John, stated that the authority, in coordination with all concerned departments, is closely monitoring the situation and has kept emergency response teams on standby. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities and adhere to all safety advisories.
The DDMA also shared emergency contact numbers for assistance: NSDMA toll-free number 1070, ERSS 112, DPA DDMA Chümoukedima at 7085288949, and LSA DDMA Chümoukedima at 9862038156.
Longleng: DC Longleng W Manpai Phom issued a public advisory stating that incessant rainfall and prevailing weather conditions have increased the risk of landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and falling trees in multiple locations across the district.
The advisory urged the public not to venture near riverbanks, overflowing drains or streams during the rainy season, avoid non-essential travel during torrential rain, refrain from travelling on vulnerable road stretches and highways during cloudbursts and thunderstorms, stay away from landslide-prone locations and unstable slopes or riverbanks, and regularly monitor weather forecasts and instructions issued by the district administration and other competent authorities.
Residents were also advised to cooperate with authorities during disaster situations, avoid spreading unverified information or rumours, and immediately report emergencies, landslides, disaster incidents or persons in distress to the nearest administrative office, police station, village council or the DDMA.
The public was advised to immediately report emergencies, landslides, disaster incidents or persons in distress to the nearest administrative office, police station, village council or the DDMA Longleng at 8974567675 or 8837009660. The State Emergency Operation Centre can also be contacted through the toll-free number 1070, ERSS 112, or 0370-2270129/30.
Phek: DC and DDMA Chairman, Phek, Rhosietho Nguori, also issued a public advisory stating that heavy rainfall is expected in the lowland and foothill areas of the district, with the possibility of waterlogging, flash floods, landslides and rising water levels in rivers and streams due to heavy precipitation in catchment areas.
As a precautionary measure, the public was advised to refrain from visiting riverbanks for picnics, fishing or other activities during the current monsoon season.
The advisory also requested residents to report incidents to area administrative officers or the designated helpline numbers. It further directed all area administrative officers, heads of departments, village disaster management authorities, village councils and ward authorities to remain on standby to respond to emergencies arising from natural calamities.
The advisory also requested residents to report incidents to area administrative officers or contact DDMA Phek at 9612991418 or the State Emergency Operation Centre at 0370-2270129/30 or the toll-free number 1070.