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DIMAPUR — In the wake of a devastating mudslide in Pherima, which tragically claimed six lives, the local community rallied together to support rescue efforts and provide solace to those affected. The disaster, while exposing the unforgiving power of nature, also evoked the strength and unity within the community as they worked tirelessly alongside the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in the rescue and debris clearance work.
ASI Angukato K Yeptho of the SDRF recounted the challenging search and recovery operation, highlighting the crucial support provided by local residents.
He said that the SDRF received the distress call from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chümoukedima at 12:45 am, and mobilised a 15-member team within an hour. However, their journey to the disaster site was hampered by blocked roads and a separate landslide at New Chümoukedima (Pakala Pahar), forcing them to take a lengthy detour through Peren.
Despite these obstacles, the SDRF arrived at Pherima around 4:20 am, where they found local residents already engaged in search and rescue efforts.
Local residents were already at the scene, acting as first responders and assisting those affected by the disaster, Yeptho said.
Upon arrival, the SDRF learned that residents had located the body of a taxi driver, with another spotted further down the river. Working alongside the community, the SDRF recovered the second body and soon discovered a third, identified as Samir Dutta, a 43-year-old shopkeeper from Tripura.
The search continued throughout the day. The bodies of Sonie (60) from Kijumetouma village and Daju (60), a hotel worker, were recovered, with Daju's remains found six kilometers from the mudslide site. Later, the bodies of Bijay and Sopon Biswas were located.
Yeptho said the operation was physically and emotionally challenging and emphasised the local community’s invaluable assistance, not only in locating bodies but also in carrying them once recovered.
He stated that it was an exhausting day, but with the help of the local community, the bodies were located, and the SDRF team was able to retrieve them. The local residents also assisted in carrying the bodies.
Medziphema Town Council (MTC) Chairperson, Abei Thepa, shared how youth from both Pherima and Medziphema had initiated search efforts from the early hours.
The local community displayed remarkable compassion, donating clothes to cover the deceased before their families arrived and the council provided two coffins for the victims. Members of the Hindu community also came to the Community Health Centre, where the bodies were kept, to offer their support, he said.
He expressed gratitude to the neighbouring villages for their assistance in the search operation.
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