DIMAPUR, JUL 26 (NPN): The Indian Air Force (IAF), requisitioned by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), continued its aerial humanitarian operations for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday, evacuating 42 stranded passengers from EAC Headquarters, Namsang Circle in Longleng district, despite adverse weather conditions.
According to NSDMA, two IAF helicopters operating from Air Force Station Mohanbari, Dibrugarh, Assam, were deployed to Namsang, where the first helicopter evacuated 20 passengers and the second airlifted 22 passengers. Both sorties landed safely at Dimapur Airport.
The evacuated passengers included elderly persons, children, women and students who had returned to Namsang during their summer vacation and were stranded after road connectivity was disrupted by the ongoing monsoon-induced disasters.
NSDMA said the rescue mission was carried out by the same IAF team that has been conducting operations since July 23, describing their efforts as demonstrating exceptional professionalism, dedication and commitment despite difficult weather conditions.
The authority informed that rescue operations were continuing and around 4.5 metric tonnes of essential relief materials were awaiting airlift to Namsang. However, the relief consignment could not be transported on Saturday due to adverse weather. It said both evacuation and relief operations would continue, subject to favourable weather conditions and operational feasibility.
NSDMA said it was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Longleng district administration, the IAF and other responding agencies to ensure timely rescue and relief measures.
The authority also expressed appreciation to the IAF, Airports Authority of India, Dimapur Airport and all associated agencies, district administrations, DDMAs, line departments, emergency responders, volunteers and other stakeholders for their support and efforts in the ongoing humanitarian operations.
