Relief, restoration intensified in Noklak district

DIMAPUR, AUG 1 (NPN): The District Administration and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Noklak, have intensified relief, road clearance and restoration efforts across the district following widespread landslides and flash floods that disrupted connectivity and affected several villages.
According to Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), an emergency meeting of DDMA Noklak, chaired by deputy commissioner and DDMA chairman, was held on July 22 to review the situation, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and plan immediate as well as long-term restoration measures.
Road restoration along the Noklak-Panso route was undertaken from July 22 to 24 in coordination with the PWD (R&B) and local residents. However, subsequent landslides and flash floods caused fresh damage to culverts, retaining walls and road sections at multiple locations. DDMA has also taken up with the concerned authorities the early restoration of the Noklak-Chendang Saddle Road, a key route connecting the district headquarters.
The Lein Bridge on the Noklak-Tsuwao road was severely damaged by flash floods, cutting off road connectivity to nine villages in the Panso area.
Restoration work on the bridge and the affected road has since been initiated by DDMA and PWD (R&B). As part of the ongoing response, road clearance was carried out to rescue two stranded families at Tempu.
DDMA JCB also cleared the Nokhu-Kingpao road to facilitate the evacuation of a critically ill patient. Restoration work was initiated on the Noklak-Lein Bridge stretch, although fresh landslides later blocked the seven-kilometre stretch at eight locations. Clearance operations were also undertaken along the Langnok-Noklak road, Panso-Yakor road and the Pangsha shortcut road.
To assist affected families, DDMA Noklak has sought relief materials from NSDMA. Tarpaulins have already been distributed to landslide-affected households, while more than 50 SDRF assistance forms have been issued to affected individuals. The DDMA JCB has remained continuously engaged in restoration work since July 19.
The district administration also arranged transportation, refreshments and accommodation for 30 stranded passengers between Saddle and Noklak in coordination with the drivers’ union and the concerned contractor.
Restoration measures further included repairs to foot overbridges between Kingpao-Aniashu and Noklak-Lengnyu, besides restoration of the damaged culvert at Danlepdong on the approach road to the District Hospital. Field inspections are continuing to assess the damage and coordinate further response measures.
The district administration and DDMA Noklak said they would continue to monitor the situation closely and undertake necessary relief, road clearance and restoration works to maintain essential connectivity and support affected communities.