Kohima, August 2 (MExN): The District Administration and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Noklak, have intensified relief, road clearance and restoration efforts across the district following widespread landslides and flash floods that have disrupted road connectivity and affected several villages.
A press release issued by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) informed that the response is being carried out in close coordination with line departments, emergency response agencies and local stakeholders to restore essential connectivity and provide relief to affected communities.
An emergency meeting of DDMA Noklak, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of DDMA Noklak, was held on July 22 to review the evolving situation, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and formulate both immediate and long-term restoration measures.
Road restoration along the Noklak–Panso route was undertaken between July 22 and 24 under the supervision of DDMA in coordination with the Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) and members of the public. However, subsequent landslides and flash floods caused fresh damage, prompting continued clearance and restoration work at multiple locations.
According to reports from PWD (R&B), several culverts, retaining walls and road sections have been damaged across the district. The DDMA has also taken up the issue with the concerned authorities for the "early restoration of the Noklak–Chendang Saddle Road," describing it as a vital link connecting the district headquarters.
The release further informed that the Lein Bridge on the Noklak–Tsuwao route sustained severe damage due to flash floods, disrupting connectivity for nine villages in the Panso area. Restoration work on the damaged bridge and the affected road has since been initiated jointly by DDMA and PWD (R&B).
As part of the emergency response, immediate road clearance was carried out at Tempu to assist two stranded families. The DDMA deployed its JCB to clear the Nokhu–Kingpao road to facilitate the transportation of a seriously ill patient, while restoration work also began on the stretch between Noklak and the damaged Lein Bridge.
However, the situation remains challenging. Fresh landslides reportedly blocked an approximately seven-kilometre stretch at eight different locations, highlighting the continued risk posed by unstable slopes. Road clearance operations have also been undertaken along the Langnok–Noklak road, the Panso–Yakor road and the Pangsha shortcut road.
On the relief front, DDMA Noklak has sought additional relief materials from NSDMA for distribution to affected families. Tarpaulins have already been distributed to households affected by landslides, while more than 50 forms for State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) assistance have been issued to affected individuals.
The DDMA JCB has remained engaged in continuous clearance and restoration work since July 19, the release stated.
The administration also arranged transportation, refreshments and accommodation for 30 stranded passengers between Saddle and Noklak in coordination with the drivers' union and the concerned contractor.
Restoration measures have further included repairs to foot overbridges between Kingpao–Aniashu and Noklak–Lengnyu, as well as the restoration of the damaged culvert at Danlepdong on the approach road to the District Hospital.
The release stated that field visits to affected areas are continuing to assess the extent of damage and coordinate further response measures.
The District Administration and DDMA Noklak, along with all concerned departments and response agencies, affirmed that they would continue to "closely monitor the situation" and undertake necessary relief, road clearance and restoration works to maintain essential connectivity and support affected communities.
