Nagaland: IAF rescues over 100 stranded civilians during relief operations

Kohima, July 28 (AHN) The Indian Air Force (IAF), in close coordination with the Nagaland government, on Tuesday continued large-scale rescue and relief operations in landslide-affected areas of the state, safely evacuating more than 100 stranded civilians from Kohima and Dimapur while airlifting essential relief supplies to remote districts cut off by heavy monsoon rains.

Officials said the ongoing operations are focused on rescuing stranded people, extending aerial support to the civil administration, and reaching inaccessible areas where road connectivity has been severely disrupted due to landslides and incessant rainfall.

The IAF also carried out aerial relief operations to Longleng district headquarters in eastern Nagaland, delivering essential supplies to the affected region.

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) officials said the state government has intensified its response as heavy monsoon rains continue to trigger landslides and disrupt road connectivity across several districts. With the road links to Mon and Longleng districts remaining cut off, the NSDMA requisitioned Indian Air Force aircraft to evacuate stranded passengers and airlift essential relief materials. A state government helicopter was also deployed to supplement the evacuation and relief efforts.

Among those evacuated were candidates appearing for the Nagaland Public Service Commission (NPSC) Combined Education Services Examination (CESE), whose travel plans had been severely affected due to the closure of highways and other road networks.

Relief materials transported by air to the affected districts included food items, medical kits, clothing, and other essential supplies required for immediate humanitarian assistance. The NSDMA said similar aerial evacuation and relief operations would continue as and when required, depending on the evolving ground situation and weather conditions.

Apart from air operations, relief distribution has also been expanded to several other affected districts. Trucks carrying relief materials were dispatched from Mokokchung to Tuli, while ration assistance was distributed among stranded and displaced families in Changtongya.

District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have also stepped up financial assistance to affected households under the Emergency Relief Fund (ERF). In Wokha district, emergency financial assistance was provided to families whose houses and retaining walls were damaged by landslides triggered by continuous rainfall. In Shamator district, Deputy Commissioner Arikumba handed over immediate relief assistance to two families whose houses suffered damage in rain-related incidents. Similarly, in Zunheboto district, ERF assistance was distributed among five families affected by recent landslides.

The NSDMA further said financial assistance has already been released to all districts to facilitate road restoration, debris clearance, and other emergency response measures in disaster-hit areas.

According to the authority, it continues to closely monitor the evolving monsoon situation across the state, with priority being accorded to damage assessment, relief distribution, restoration of essential services, and clearance of roads blocked by landslides.

Highlighting the coordinated response of various agencies, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, in a post on X, said SDRF personnel from the Department of Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF continue to work alongside other emergency response agencies and line departments in a coordinated effort to support relief operations and restore affected areas.

The state government, along with the IAF, SDRF, and district administrations, continues to remain on high alert as rescue, relief, and restoration efforts gather pace across the monsoon-ravaged areas of Nagaland.