The Government of Nagaland has released Rs 70 lakh under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate relief to families affected by the devastating landslides and flash floods that struck Mon district on July 19 and 20.
According to Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mon, Wennyei Konyak, the amount will be utilised towards ex gratia assistance to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, gratuitous relief for the injured, and immediate relief for houses damaged by the landslides and flash floods.
The district administration also informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, during his visit to the affected areas on July 20, extended an additional Rs 10 lakh to support civil society organizations, the District Hospital and local volunteers assisting the government’s search and rescue efforts.
The disaster, triggered by incessant rainfall, claimed nine lives, injured several others and caused extensive damage to houses, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure across the district.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, the Deputy Commissioner conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the district administration would continue to stand by all affected families.
Search and rescue operations, damage assessment, relief distribution and restoration of essential services are continuing in coordination with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), District Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), 42 Assam Rifles, Territorial Army, line departments, village and ward councils, the Konyak Union, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong (KNSK), Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) and local community volunteers.
The Deputy Commissioner also acknowledged the efforts of government departments, security forces, volunteers and local communities for their prompt response during the emergency.
Meanwhile, the district administration has advised the public to remain vigilant during the ongoing monsoon season, avoid landslide-prone slopes, overflowing rivers and vulnerable roads, and strictly follow weather advisories and safety instructions issued by the authorities.
The administration said it will continue to monitor the situation and ensure timely relief, rehabilitation and restoration for affected communities.
NSDMA issues helpdesk numbers for flood, landslide relief
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has issued helpdesk numbers to facilitate coordinated relief assistance for families affected by the ongoing floods, landslides and other weather-related disasters across the state.
In an Office Memorandum, Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, Home Department, Sentiwapang Aier, said the state has witnessed extreme weather events resulting in devastating landslides, severe flash floods and widespread disruption of road and transport connectivity.
The memorandum noted that the disasters have rendered many families homeless, necessitating shelter and relief assistance.
To ensure coordinated relief efforts by the government and private agencies, the NSDMA has requested affected individuals and organisations to contact the designated helpdesks for assistance.
The designated contact persons are: