Kohima: In coordination with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Regional Office in Guwahati, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), under the Home Department, has issued a weather advisory predicting continued heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds at a speed of 30-40 kmph in the state.
The advisory, issued by Commissioner & Secretary Lhouchalie Viya, indicates that these weather patterns are expected to persist until April 16, 2024.
The advisory specifically mentions districts including Peren, Dimapur, Kohima, Phek, Wokha, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Mokokchung, Shamator, Tseminyu, and Tuensang, where partly cloudy heavy rainfall, strong winds, and lightning are anticipated at isolated places. Maximum temperatures are projected to hover around 31°C, with minimum temperatures expected to drop below 11°C in hilly regions.
Given these weather conditions, NSDMA has cautioned about potential challenges such as poor visibility leading to traffic congestion, temporary disruptions, and waterlogging on roads due to intense rainfall. Furthermore, there are warnings about the possibility of damage to structures, including kutcha houses and huts, as well as crops in maturity stages due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
To mitigate risks, NSDMA advised the public to adhere to traffic advisories, avoid vulnerable structures, ensure proper drainage in cropped fields, and prop up vegetable pandals. Additionally, people are urged to stay indoors during adverse weather conditions, especially refraining from outdoor activities like agriculture work, grazing cattle, fishing, or travelling.
In the event of thunderstorms, NSDMA recommends seeking shelter in safe locations such as homes, offices, or hard-top vehicles with windows rolled up. Individuals caught outside are advised to move away from elevated areas and seek refuge indoors promptly. Signs of imminent lightning, such as tingling sensations or hair standing on end, should be heeded by seeking shelter away from water bodies and utility lines.
Furthermore, NSDMA emphasised precautions such as avoiding metallic objects and electrical appliances during lightning storms.
The Nagaland public is also reminded to remove potential flying debris, avoid using mobile phones during rainfall, and seek immediate shelter during boating or swimming activities. Motorists have been advised to stay inside vehicles with windows up until the storm passes.
NSDMA urged vigilance from all District Disaster Management Authorities and line departments to mitigate potential disasters and safeguard lives and properties during this period of volatile weather.
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