Be prepared to tackle any disaster, Nagaland CM tells departments

Dimapur: With the rainy season around the corner, Chief Minister and Chairman of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Neiphiu Rio has asked all the departments to be prepared for tackling any disaster.

Speaking during a monsoon preparedness meeting at the CM Residential Complex on Thursday, Rio said that weather forecast should be provided more frequently and the awareness of the people checked at local level.

‘Good roads with proper drainage should be maintained by the PWD(R&B) and NHIDCC. The laying of cables on the road should be deep enough and should be done with prior consultation from the department concerned,’ the DIPR quoted him as saying.

The CM also called on the homeguards /Civil Defence and SDRF “to ensure that their forces are properly trained and ready to be deployed anytime anywhere” as well as told the Health and Family Welfare department to keep sufficient stock of medicine for use during medical emergencies.

The PHED department was asked to ensure supply of clean drinking water even during the monsoon season, and the Food and Civil Supplies department to check the godowns and stores, as well as roads connectivity across the state.

Advisor of NSDMA, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe said that many natural disasters in the state are manmade and could be avoided if people learn to take care of small things like clearing of roads and blockages, and proper drainage systems.

The NSDMA, PWD (R&B) and NHIDCL, HG & CD/SDRF, Health and Family Welfare gave PowerPoint presentations at the meeting, it was informed.