The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2026 under the theme “Resilience Starts at Home” at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on Tuesday.
The programme highlighted household preparedness, community participation and the need to strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation in Nagaland, which remains vulnerable to natural hazards, particularly landslides and floods during the monsoon season. Recent monsoon-related damage to houses, roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure has further highlighted the importance of reducing disaster risks at the community level.
Delivering the keynote address, Advisor to NSDMA and Inland Waterways Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe emphasised the importance of preparedness at household and community levels. He called for greater public awareness, preventive measures and coordinated efforts to minimise loss of life and damage to property. He also stressed that disaster management required collective responsibility from the government, response agencies and the public, with prevention and preparedness receiving attention alongside emergency response and recovery.
The programme recognised the contribution of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) through the presentation of commendation awards. The SDRF Dimapur Unit received the “Best Performing SDRF Unit” award, while HG T. Nokyuh Konyak of SDRF Mon received the “SDRF Commendation Certificate” in recognition of service and performance.
Deputy Commandant General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF Medozhalie Pienyii also addressed the programme. A special song was presented by the SDRF Unit, Kohima.
The technical session featured a presentation by the District Commandant, Dimapur, and an experience-sharing session by the Company Commander, Mon district, focusing on operational experiences and disaster response. An interactive session was also held to encourage discussion on disaster management and response.
The programme highlighted the role of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF in rescue, evacuation and emergency assistance, emphasising the need for continued capacity building, regular training, mock drills and operational readiness.
The observance reiterated the importance of disaster preparedness and mitigation, with NSDMA stressing that resilience begins at home and must be strengthened through community participation and coordination among government agencies and response teams.