Aid reaches areas cut-off in Nagaland after rainfall

Relief material reached people of the rain-battered Kiphire district in Nagaland just in time for an important tribal festival, officials said. The relief material was distributed on Saturday and Sunday.

“Seven trucks full of essential commodities arrived late Friday evening,” said MA Shihab, Kiphire deputy commissioner. The 270km journey from Dimapur took two-and-a-half days. “One of them got stuck on the way,” Shihab said. The main road to Kiphire has been blocked, forcing the administration to make an alternate route.

“We have been able to deliver rice to most families after 1,408 bags arrived,” Shihab added.

“Things have certainly improved. But the most dangerous landslides happen in September and October,” said R Tsithongse, general secretary of United Sangtam Likhum Punji, the apex organisation of the Sangtam community.

“Restoration of connectivity is the biggest challenge at the moment. The officials are working round the clock to keep the roads clear,” said Abhishek Singh, commissioner and secretary to the chief minister

GUWAHATI:

‘NEED ₹800-CR AID’

The Nagaland government requires around ₹800 crore immediately for the restoration of the damages caused by landslides and flash flood during this monsoon season, a state government official said Monday.