Nagaland records alarming 97.35% surge in road accidents

KOHIMA — In a worrying trend, Nagaland witnessed an alarming 97.35% increase in road accidents over the last five years, recording a total of 2,249 cases, including 201 fatal accidents and 1,420 injuries.

This was revealed in the ‘1st Report on Nagaland Disaster Statistics 2023’ released on Tuesday. The report published by the Directorate of Economics and Statistics showed that road accidents increased from 435 in 2018-19 to 894 in 2021-22.

As per the data, as many as 382 road accidents were reported in 2019-2020, and it increased to 538 cases in 2020-2021. The year 2021-22 witnessed the highest number of fatalities from road accidents with 61 individuals tragically losing their lives, followed by 49 in 2020-21, 47 in 2019-20, and 44 in 2018-2019.

The report indicated that the proportion of fatalities to the total number of road accidents has been on the rise over the years. This trend can be attributed to factors such as high speeds, reckless driving, and incidents of driving under the influence of alcohol, it said.

According to the report, the seriousness of road accidents is determined by calculating the percentage of persons killed per 100 accidents, which stood at 6.8% for 2021-22. These statistics underscore the urgency of implementing robust road safety measures and encouraging responsible driving practices to curb the escalating toll of road accidents and protect lives on the roads.

43 cases of electrocution

The data also showed that a total of 43 cases of electrocution were reported from 2019-20 to 2021-22, resulting in the death of 13 people and 29 injuries (all males).

Highlighting the significant risk of electrocution, the report pointed out the need for enhanced electrical safety measures and awareness campaigns to prevent such accidents and protect lives.

Increase in fire incidents

According to the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) disaster report, as many as 99 fire incidents were recorded in 2018-19. This number increased to 117 incidents in 2019-20 and further escalated to 195 in 2020-21.

In 2020-21, Kohima reported the highest number of fire incidents with 82 cases, followed by Wokha at 38; Mon, 21; nine each in Tuensang, Mokokchung, Zunheboto and Longleng; six each in Kiphire, Peren, and Phek; and four in Dimapur.

The data indicated an alarming upward trend in fire-related disasters, underscoring the critical need for robust fire safety measures, preparedness, and increased public awareness to effectively address and mitigate the inherent risks associated with such incidents, the report stated.

The fire accidents also resulted in significant damage to various establishments, including shops, hotels, and commercial buildings.

In the year 2021-22, a total of 83 fire disasters were reported, leading to the damage of 78 shops, one hotel, and four commercial buildings. Dimapur reported the highest number of fire incidents during this period, destroying 35 shops, one hotel, and three commercial buildings in the inferno. Following Dimapur were Peren with damage to 18 shops, while 17 shops were damaged in Tuensang. Zunheboto saw damage to five shops, and Mokokchung witnessed damage to three establishments, including a commercial building and a shop.

Wildfire-related disasters

Nagaland also reported a high occurrence of wildfires, which posed a significant threat to its rich flora and fauna.

In 2019-20, around 7000 Areca nut plants covering 10 acres, were destroyed by wildfires. In the following year 2020-21, wildfires wreaked havoc again, resulting in the destruction of 19880 coffee plants, covering 24.7 acres of land.

Wildfires, as devastating natural disasters, pose a significant threat to these plantation crops, necessitating the implementation of effective fire prevention and management strategies to safeguard these valuable agricultural resources, the report stated.

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