The Nagaland Tribal Hohos Coordination Committee (NTHCC) has appealed to the Nagaland government to intensify disaster preparedness, response, relief and rehabilitation measures in view of the widespread devastation caused by landslides, flash floods and incessant monsoon rains across the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the NTHCC expressed profound grief over the loss of lives and destruction of homes, farmlands, livelihoods and public infrastructure, while extending solidarity to affected families.
The NTHCC particularly mourned the recent landslide tragedies in Mon and Mokokchung districts that claimed several lives. It conveyed its condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
“These unfortunate incidents 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 stated.
Appreciates government’s response
The Committee acknowledged the efforts of Chief Minister, the State Government, district administrations, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and frontline agencies for working under difficult circumstances. It also appreciated the relief measures already initiated in several affected districts.
However, noting the scale and continuing nature of the disaster, the NTHCC urged the Chief Minister to further strengthen the state’s disaster management response.
Seven-point appeal
The NTHCC urged the government to strengthen coordination among all concerned departments to ensure round-the-clock disaster preparedness, emergency response, relief and rehabilitation across vulnerable districts.
It also called for the speedy restoration of major roads, highways and rural connectivity disrupted by landslides and floods, stressing that uninterrupted transport is vital for the movement of relief materials, medical assistance, essential commodities and emergency services.
The NTHCC further sought adequate ex gratia and compensation for the families of those who lost their lives, along with financial assistance for households whose homes, farmlands, livestock, businesses and other properties have suffered extensive damage.
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The Committee also urged the government to direct all road construction agencies, contractors and executing firms to maintain adequate manpower, machinery and emergency preparedness at project sites and to promptly clear landslides and restore road connectivity throughout the duration of their contractual obligations.
In addition, it called for transparent and timely damage assessments through district administrations, deployment of additional machinery, technical personnel and emergency resources in vulnerable districts, and stronger early warning systems, community awareness programmes and long-term disaster mitigation measures.
Calls for collective action
“The NTHCC firmly believes that while natural disasters cannot always be prevented, their devastating impact can be significantly reduced through timely planning, coordinated action, quality infrastructure, accountable execution of public works, and compassionate governance. Extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures,” it said.
It also appealed to citizens, tribal hohos, civil society organisations, churches, youth bodies and community leaders to extend every possible support to affected families and cooperate fully with the government and disaster response agencies during the ongoing crisis.
Reaffirming its commitment to support relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts, the NTHCC expressed confidence that the state government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, would continue to take every necessary measure to protect the lives, dignity and welfare of the people of Nagaland. It also expressed hope that its appeal would receive the immediate attention of the government and implementing agencies so that timely, coordinated and effective action can be taken in the larger interest of the people.
