Dimapur: Nagaland Governor Nand Kishore Yadav visited flood-ravaged Longwa village in Mon district bordering Myanmar on Tuesday to take stock of the situation there.
Longwa, a unique village settlement located about 40 km from Mon town, is on both sides of the international border between India and Myanmar. The house of the Angh (village chief) lies directly on the boundary line, with half in India and half in Myanmar. Even though the village lies in two countries, the entire village is ruled by the chief.
Addressing the people at Longwa Angh’s residence, Yadav said the recent disaster at Mon has caused immense suffering and hardship where lives were lost, and the district suffered an extensive damage. He conveyed deepest condolences to all the bereaved families.
While assuring that both the central and state government will continue to extend all possible support for relief, restoration and rehabilitation, he reminded the people that a truly resilient Mon will be built through a strong partnership between the Government, local institutions and the people.
He stressed that while immediate relief and rescue are essential, the next and equally important task is rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Yadav said the government and the people should work together to restore the district and help families rebuild their homes and livelihood.
The restoration of roads and other infrastructures damaged by the recent disaster must be put into focus, he stated.
He also added that future infrastructure must be designed with greater consideration for such extreme natural disasters and also reminded the people the importance of respecting nature.
“Development and environmental protection must go hand in hand,’ Yadav stressed.
He expressed his appreciation to the district administration, NSDMA, SDRF, police security forces, line departments, civil society organisations, churches, youth organisations and volunteers who responded with courage and dedication.
Their efforts in search and rescue, evacuation, relief and restoration demonstrated the strength of the people’s collective response, he added.
Yadav appealed to the people to follow building regulations, land-use norms and technical advice, particularly in vulnerable areas.
The Angh of Longwa village, Tonyei Phawang, appreciated the governor for his visit.
He said one of the biggest challenges would be rebuilding the infrastructure of Longwa village and requested the government for road upgradation.