DIMAPUR— With an objective to evolve new strategies to adapt post calamity injury and make compelling pre-debacle courses of action, a conference on emergency management and disaster preparedness was held in Kigwema village on Wednesday.
The conference was jointly organised jointly by Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and Home department, in collaboration with the Kigwema Students’ Union.
An update from NSDMA stated that the conference was organised for sharing knowledge, experience and devise strategic and operational level issues for reducing the disaster risks, mitigating climate change, and adapting to its impacts.
Speaking at the programme, advisor of NSDMA, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, challenged the students to change their outlook towards disaster and be equipped with in-depth knowledge on how to overcome the obstacle.
Johnny Ruangmei, joint chief executive officer of NSDMA, while presenting a talk on ‘Investing in resilience and preparedness,’ stressed that colleges and schools should have a subject on emergency management and disaster preparedness. He opined that preparedness for natural calamities and disaster is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’
He, therefore, stated that construction of houses, offices, schools and projects should only be undertaken after taking thorough consideration on safety measures. He was of the opinion that the project be better not implemented if it was not well planned.
Khrolou Koza Lohe, assistant manager (training and education), spoke on ‘Community-based adaptation for climate change and disaster risk reduction.’ While dwelling on various sub-topics ranging from environment impact, water and soil conservation etc. Lohe felt that one should construct earthquake proof house as the Northeast India region falls under an earthquake prone areas.
The conference concluded with a word of gratitude delivered by Mezhüvi Thorie, president of Kigwema Students’ Union.
Around 500 students from Loyola Higher Secondary School in Jakhama and Japfü Christian College in Kigwema attended the conference.
