On the seventh day of the wildfire at southern Dzükou on February 1, the Kohima district administration stated that the main valley was largely free of fire hazard, with the blaze confined mainly to areas below Mount Tempfü. (Photo courtesy: District Administration, Kohima)
Kohima, February 1 (MExN): On the seventh day of the Southern Dzükou wildfire, authorities on Sunday said that the main Dzükou Valley is largely free from fire hazard, with the blaze now predominantly confined to areas below Mount Tempfü.
According to an update issued by the district administration, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, met all team leaders at Senepodzü on Sunday evening to review and assess the situation on the ground.
It was informed that around 150 personnel comprising volunteers from the Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO), personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police, Forest Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Dobashis, drone operators, 13 Assam Rifles, and officials from the district administration, undertook large-scale manual fire-fighting operations on February 1.
Ground reports received by the administration indicated that while the main valley has largely been secured, teams will continue ground-level monitoring to prevent flare-ups in affected areas.
The district administration also informed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has been requested to increase aerial sorties to more effectively contain the remaining fire pockets.
As reported earlier, a new wildfire across parts of Southern Dzükou was reported on January 26, prompting immediate evacuation of trekkers from the valley while containment efforts were initiated.
Meanwhile, the district administration conveyed its appreciation to media personnel for accompanying response teams and reporting from the ground.
