DIPR Nagaland organises disaster management training for journalists and officials in Dimapur to enhance emergency response.
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DIMAPUR — The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) commenced a two-day Disaster Management Training for First Responders at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur, on Thursday.
The programme, which brought together journalists and media personnel on the first day, aims to strengthen emergency preparedness, response skills, and coordination during disasters.
The training was conducted for journalists, as they are often the first to reach disaster sites, and the information shared directly impacts how the public perceives risk and responds to crises.
The first session on Day 1 was moderated by Achumo Khuvung, LDA, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, and focused on the topic, “Role of media in disaster management”. The session was led by Keren Rose, Assistant Manager, Media and Public Relations, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
Rose stated that responsible journalism can save lives and described the media as a key partner in disaster governance. She said that accurate, timely, and verified information during emergencies helps prevent panic, reduces misinformation, and ensures that critical safety instructions reach affected communities.
Highlighting the importance of ethical reporting, she outlined key dos and don’ts for journalists covering disasters. She urged media personnel to verify information from official sources before publishing, promote preparedness and safety guidelines, fact-check casualty figures, use official communication channels for updates, and provide context about disaster causes and prevention.
At the same time, she cautioned against spreading rumours or unverified social media content, sensationalising tragedies for ratings, disclosing victims’ identities without consent, obstructing emergency operations, or exaggerating damage and casualty figures.
She also covered ethical guidelines for journalists, including truthfulness and integrity, respect for privacy and dignity, humanitarian and empathetic reporting, and awareness of compassion fatigue. Participants were encouraged to maintain compassion and respect for affected communities, focus on resilience and recovery in addition to destruction, and avoid intrusive questioning or graphic imagery that exploits suffering.
Practical preparedness measures were also discussed, including earthquake safety do’s such as securing heavy objects on lower shelves, keeping emergency kits ready with essential supplies, clearing exit pathways, and identifying safe meeting points for families after a disaster.
The second session was conducted by Kenny Khing, Fire Prevention and Audit Officer (FPAO), Fire and Emergency Services. Speaking on “Basic fire safety and relevant sections of the Nagaland Fire and Emergency Service Act, 2021", Khing stressed the importance of coordinated response during fire and disaster situations.
It was informed that under Section 23(3) of the Act, multistorey buildings above 15 metres in height and special buildings such as educational institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, assembly buildings, business establishments, and mercantile, industrial, storage and hazardous occupancies must obtain a Fire Safety Certificate (NOC). Mixed occupancies exceeding 500 square metres are also required to secure the certificate for the entire building.
Referring to sections 36 and 37, the resource person stated that any individual who wilfully obstructs firefighting or rescue operations may face imprisonment up to three months, a fine up to INR 10,000, or both. Giving false fire reports or hoax calls is also punishable under the Act.
Fire service personnel responding to emergencies were said to have the “Right of Way” on highways and public roads and are empowered to remove obstructions, close streets near fire sites, and break into premises if necessary to carry out rescue and firefighting operations. The department may also requisition police personnel and government ambulance services during emergencies.
Explaining the basic concept of fire, Khing elaborated on the Fire Triangle and Fire Tetrahedron. The Fire Triangle consists of three essential elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat, while the Fire Tetrahedron adds a fourth component, the chemical chain reaction, which sustains combustion.
Citing the NFPA handbook, fire was defined as a rapid chemical oxidation reaction that produces heat and light accompanied by smoke and fumes. It was noted that removal of any one of the elements can extinguish a fire.
On fire classification, Khing explained that Class “A” fires involve ordinary combustible solids such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber and plastics, while Class “B” fires involve flammable or combustible liquids and greases such as petrol, kerosene, diesel and paints. The classification of fires helps determine the appropriate type of fire extinguisher to be used.
The session also covered LPG and electrical fire hazards. Participants were informed that LPG is heavier than air and poses significant fire and explosion risks. In case of leakage, citizens were advised to open ventilation, switch off the main regulator, avoid using matchsticks or electrical switches and immediately contact the nearest dealer or fire station. Electrical safety measures such as preventing circuit overloading, replacing damaged wiring and using proper-rated fuses were stressed.
Later, personnel from the Fire and Emergency Services demonstrated how to handle various types of fire extinguishers.
Statistical data shared during the programme revealed that a total of 818 mock drills on fire safety awareness were conducted across the state between 2023 and 2025, covering schools, government offices, markets, churches, hotels, industrial establishments, hospitals, banks and petrol pumps.
Fire call records from 2016 to 2017 to January 2026 showed 1,078 residential fire incidents and 556 forest or wildfire incidents, underscoring the need for preventive measures and public awareness.
According to a DIPR report, the second day of the training will be attended by in-service officials and staff of the Department of Information and Public Relations.