Flood waters accumulate at locality in Dimapur. (Morung Photo)
Dimapur, August 9 (MExN): The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has advised the public, particularly those living in low-lying and flood-prone areas, to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement through waterlogged areas, while cautioning residents to stay away from electrical poles, wires, transformers, inverters and other electrical installations in or near flooded areas to avoid the risk of electrocution.
The advisory comes as the district continues to experience the impact of heavy rainfall, with authorities monitoring vulnerable areas and remaining prepared for further waterlogging and flooding.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had rescued and evacuated nine persons, including two children and an elderly person, during the flooding on Saturday. Four hostelers were rescued from a hostel in River Belt Colony, while five persons stranded in the Holy Cross School area were evacuated to a safe location.
The DDMA said recent drainage clearance works had improved the flow and discharge capacity of several channels. However, the exceptionally high volume of surface runoff from upstream and hill catchment areas continued to put pressure on Dimapur's downstream drainage network.
Heavy inflow and rising water levels in interconnected drainage systems, including Hospital Nallah, Sugarmill Nallah and Lengri Nallah, contributed to waterlogging in several low-lying areas.
A field assessment by the DDMA, led by the SDO (Civil), DPA-in-Charge, Dimapur, along with officials from the DC Office, Dobashis and DDMA field staff, identified several vulnerable localities, including River Belt Colony, Holy Cross School area, SM Colony, Vilhume Colony, K Sachu Colony, Zeliangrong Colony, Purana Bazar-B, Kuda Village Road, NST Colony, Industrial Estate Colony, Public Ground Colony, Nepali Basti, Niu Colony, Veterinary Colony, Rainbow Colony, Namgalong Colony, Ragialing Colony, Nesitauo Colony and Medical Colony.
The DDMA attributed the situation mainly to continuous rainfall and substantial surface runoff from upstream and hill catchment areas, and warned that further rainfall and heavy upstream inflow could increase pressure on the drainage system.
The District Administration, DDMA and SDRF continued to coordinate with Colony Councils and local residents. Councils in vulnerable areas have been asked to immediately alert the authorities if evacuation, relief camps or other emergency measures become necessary.
A detailed assessment of affected households and population will be carried out once conditions improve, as access to some areas remained restricted.
