Natural calamities—ranging from floods and landslides to earthquakes—pose significant threats to communities across the globe. Recent events, such as the mudslides along National Highway 29 and increasingly erratic weather patterns, draw attention to the urgent need for heightened awareness, planning, and preparedness.
The recent landslide on NH-29 near Pherima, which tragically claimed six lives and caused extensive damage to vehicles and property, starkly illustrates the profound impact of natural disasters. This devastating incident, compounded by ongoing mudslides and landslides, has disrupted crucial transportation links between Kohima and Dimapur. It highlights the critical need for effective disaster management and robust preparedness.
Natural disasters like landslides and floods serve as powerful reminders of nature’s unpredictability. The complete blockage of NH-29 reflects the severe consequences these events can have on infrastructure and daily life. Authorities have issued crucial advisories, including recommending the Mariani-Mokokchung-Kohima route as an alternative, a measure previously unforeseen.
In addition to floods and landslides, earthquakes pose another significant threat, particularly in seismic regions like Nagaland. Nagaland lies in seismic Zone-V and hence, falls under a very high damage risk zone. The natural tectonic setting makes Nagaland prone to earthquakes, which are often sudden and unpredictable, and can cause extensive infrastructure damage and pose serious risks to lives. While we cannot prevent earthquakes, we can take essential precautions to mitigate their impact. Educating ourselves on earthquake safety and preparedness is crucial for enhancing our resilience.
The shifting of tectonic plates makes regions near fault lines especially vulnerable. Although we cannot control when or where an earthquake will occur, proactive measures can reduce its impact. Instead of waiting for disaster to strike, being prepared is crucial. For instance, a mild earthquake of magnitude 3.0 hit Noklak, Nagaland, on September 1. Such events serve as a reminder of the potential for more severe earthquakes and the importance of being prepared.
Natural calamities demand both vigilance and preparedness. Effective disaster management involves not only immediate response but also long-term planning. By taking proactive measures and preparing in advance, we can better protect ourselves from the devastating effects of such disasters.