Massive wildfire hits western Dzükou; four trekkers rescued as authorities plan containment operations beginning Saturday morning.
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KOHIMA — A large swathe of western Dzükou under Khonoma village caught fire on Friday, triggering an immediate response from district authorities.
Smoke was visible through the afternoon from behind and along the periphery of Mt. Puliebadze, with videos circulating online showing flames spreading rapidly across the valley and charring the landscape. By evening, ashes carried by the wind had reached parts of the state capital.
Western Dzükou lies within the forest area of Khonoma. The cause of the fire had not been ascertained at the time of filing this report.
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To prevent further spread, the deputy commissioner of Kohima constituted a rapid-response team for reconnaissance and rescue operations. The team is headed by Imliakum, SDO (Civil), Sechü-Zubza, and includes the SDPO (North), district commandant of Home Guards, range forest officer, DDMA nodal officer, officer-in-charge of Fire and Emergency Services, and representatives of the Western Angami Youth Organisation.
Four trekkers rescued
Speaking to Eastern Mirror from Khonoma late on Friday night, SDO (Civil) Imliakum confirmed that four trekkers were at the site when the fire broke out. They were safely brought down with the help of local volunteers.
“They are safe and sound, and there has been no loss of life or injury. That is the good news,” he said.
He said that the fire was moving southward towards the Puliebadze side and had “subsided a little” by nightfall, but the terrain and deteriorating weather prevented fire-fighting teams from launching containment operations after dark.
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“Once we completed the rescue, it was already nightfall. Due to the severe weather, we could not proceed further. The team will go early morning on December 13 to begin containment measures,” he said.
Authorities and community leaders held a coordination meeting at Khonoma on Friday night to plan Saturday’s containment operations.
Trekking suspended
The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) on Friday issued an advisory suspending all trekking activities to Dzükou Valley with immediate effect.
“This closure is a precautionary measure to prevent any risk to trekkers, as the raging fire may potentially spread towards the Southern Dzükou Valley,” it stated in a notification.
The suspension will remain until the fire is fully extinguished and safety is ensured, it stated and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused.
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