Kohima, August 6 (MExN): The Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee (NTHCC) has appealed to the Nagaland Government to strengthen disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation efforts as landslides, flash floods and other monsoon-related calamities continue to affect several parts of the State.
In a statement, the Committee expressed grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the ongoing disasters, extending solidarity to families who have lost loved ones and to those whose homes, farmlands, livelihoods and properties have been damaged.
The NTHCC observed that the scale of the disaster has severely disrupted normal life across Nagaland, with road connectivity cut off, villages isolated, public infrastructure damaged and many communities facing hardship. It said reports from different districts underscore the urgency of sustained and coordinated intervention.
The Committee also conveyed condolences to the families of those killed in recent landslide incidents in Mon and Mokokchung districts, while praying for the recovery of those injured. It stated that the tragedies "serve as a painful reminder of the urgent need for greater preparedness, timely intervention, and sustained mitigation measures to safeguard lives and property across Nagaland."
The NTHCC appreciated the initiatives taken by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, the State Government, district administrations, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority and frontline agencies working in affected areas. It also acknowledged the relief measures already initiated in several districts.
However, it maintained that "considering the scale and continuing nature of the disaster," there is a need to further intensify disaster preparedness, emergency response, relief and rehabilitation efforts across the State.
It urged the Government to strengthen coordination among all concerned departments for round-the-clock disaster response, expedite restoration of highways and rural roads affected by landslides and floods, and ensure adequate ex gratia assistance and compensation for families of deceased victims as well as financial support for those whose houses, farms, livestock, businesses and other properties have suffered extensive damage.
The Committee further called on the Government to direct road construction agencies and contractors to carry out infrastructure projects with greater accountability and maintain adequate manpower, machinery and emergency preparedness to clear landslides and restore connectivity promptly during the monsoon season.
It also sought swift and transparent damage assessment by district administrations, deployment of additional machinery and technical personnel in vulnerable districts, and strengthening of early warning systems, community awareness programmes and long-term disaster mitigation measures.
"The devastating impact of natural disasters can be significantly reduced through timely planning, coordinated action, quality infrastructure, accountable execution of public works, and compassionate governance," the Committee stated, adding that "extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures."
The NTHCC also appealed to tribal hohos, churches, civil society organisations, youth bodies and community leaders to extend support to affected families and cooperate with government agencies involved in relief operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to assist in relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts, the Committee expressed confidence that the State Government would continue taking necessary measures to protect the lives and welfare of the people of Nagaland. It also expressed hope that its appeal would receive immediate attention from the Government and implementing agencies to ensure timely and coordinated action.
