Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 29 (NPN): State chief minister Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday called for the expansion of the Community First Responders (CFR) programme to every district, village and community in Nagaland to strengthen disaster preparedness and community resilience.
Speaking at the 39th annual general meeting of the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch (IRCSN) at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Lok Bhavan, Rio, who is the vice president of the state branch, lauded the society for its unwavering humanitarian service. He said the Indian Red Cross Society has remained a beacon of hope through disaster response, voluntary blood donation drives, first aid training, health awareness campaigns, youth engagement programmes and assistance to vulnerable communities.
Rio particularly commended the CFR training programme jointly implemented by the IRCSN and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
Recalling the recent landslides and flash floods in Mon district, he said the training had proved invaluable as many residents acknowledged that the skills they gained helped them respond effectively during the emergency. Rio noted that the programme has already been implemented across all 12 districts and urged further expansion so every community benefits from it.
Given Nagaland’s vulnerability to earthquakes, landslides and other natural disasters, he said community-based disaster preparedness was an absolute necessity.
Nagaland governor and IRCSN president Nand Kishore Yadav also commended the State Branch for its continued humanitarian service and called for stronger disaster preparedness to address emerging challenges.
He appreciated the organisation’s work in disaster response, first aid, health awareness, voluntary blood donation, youth engagement and community welfare, saying these reflected the dedication of its volunteers, members, district branches and partner organisations. He also welcomed the growing participation of youth in humanitarian activities.
Earlier, the programme began with an opening prayer by Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) youth secretary Rev. N. Suhuto Chishi, while IRCSN member Khyochano, TCK, compered the event.
NSDMA joint chief executive officer and IRCSN managing committee member Dr. Johnny K. Ruangmei, delivered the introductory address.
IRCSN general secretary Akhale V. Khamo presented the annual report, followed by a special presentation by the CRC AG Road Youth Department. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. Rose Chakhesang.