Nagaland remains vulnerable to landslides, floods

NSDMA observes International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026Kohima, October 13 (MExN): Nagaland remains vulnerable to natural hazards, particularly landslides and floods during the monsoon season, with recent monsoon-related damages to houses, roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure underlining the need to strengthen disaster preparedness and reduce risks at the community level, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said on Tuesday.In this context, the NSDMA, Home Department, observed the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2026 under the theme ‘Resilience Starts at Home’ at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima with the programme aiming to strengthen awareness of disaster risks and emphasise the need to move beyond emergency response towards prevention, mitigation and preparedness.The theme, ‘Resilience Starts at Home,’ underscores that disaster preparedness begins with individuals and families, with awareness of local hazards, knowledge of evacuation procedures, preparation of emergency supplies and adherence to official warnings being essential steps towards reducing the impact of disasters.It also highlights the importance of community participation and collective responsibility, with households, village councils, urban local bodies, educational institutions and government agencies working together to strengthen resilience, stated a press release from the NSDMA. Delivering the keynote address, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor, NSDMA and Inland Waterways, stressed the importance of preparedness at the household and community levels and called for greater public awareness, preventive measures and coordinated efforts to minimise the loss of lives and damage to property.He underscored that disaster management requires the collective efforts of the government, response agencies and the public, with preparedness and mitigation receiving due attention alongside response and recovery.The programme recognised the service and performance of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) through the presentation of commendation awards. The SDRF Dimapur Unit received the ‘Best Performing SDRF Unit’ award, while HG T Nokyuh Konyak of SDRF Mon received the ‘SDRF Commendation Certificate.’The role of the Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF in strengthening the State’s disaster response capacity was also highlighted, with their contribution to emergency response, rescue, evacuation and assistance during disasters remaining important in protecting lives and property.The programme emphasised the need for continued capacity building, regular training, mock drills and operational readiness to ensure an effective response during emergencies.An address was delivered by Medozhalie Pienyii, Deputy Commandant General, Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF, and the programme featured a special song by the SDRF Unit, Kohima.The technical session included a presentation by the District Commandant, Dimapur, and an experience-sharing session by the Company Commander, Mon District, focusing on operational experiences in the SDRF, besides an interactive session to encourage discussion and exchange of views on disaster management and response.Through the observance of IDDRR 2026, the NSDMA reiterated the importance of strengthening disaster preparedness and mitigation while promoting a culture of safety and resilience across Nagaland, reinforcing the message that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility and that building resilience begins with preparedness at home, extends to communities and is strengthened through coordinated institutional efforts.