Rescue efforts have intensified in Nagaland, which has been affected by rain-triggered landslides, with authorities airlifting over 180 stranded people and sending relief materials to the affected areas, officials said on Friday.
A statement issued by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said that the state government has stepped up response measures as heavy monsoon rain continues to disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides.
With road access to Mon and Longleng cut off, the NSDMA requisitioned Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft to evacuate stranded passengers and airlift essential relief supplies. A state government helicopter also supported the evacuation efforts.
IAF aircraft evacuated 148 stranded people, including 43 from Mon and 105 from Longleng, while the state helicopter evacuated another 41 people from Mon in the last 48 hours, the statement said this evening.
Those evacuated included Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Combined Education Services Examination (CESE) aspirants affected by the road disruption.
Relief materials airlifted to the affected districts included food supplies, medical kits and clothing.
The NSDMA said similar air operations would continue as required.
Relief distribution has also been expanded in other districts. Trucks carrying relief materials were dispatched from Mokokchung to Tuli. Ration assistance was distributed to stranded and displaced families in Changtongya.
Meanwhile, district disaster management authorities disbursed emergency financial assistance among affected households.
In Wokha, an emergency relief fund (ERF) was provided to families whose houses and retaining walls were damaged by landslides.
In Shamator, Deputy Commissioner Arikumba handed over immediate relief to two families whose houses were damaged. In Zunheboto, ERF assistance was disbursed among five families affected by recent landslides.
The NSDMA also stated that financial assistance has been released to all districts for road and debris clearance in disaster-affected areas.
The authority said it is continuing to monitor the monsoon situation, with priority being given to damage assessment, relief distribution, restoration of essential services and road clearance operations.
