Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Wildfire Erupts in Nagaland’s Dzukou Valley, Four Trekkers Rescued

Authorities have slated counter‑fire operations with chopper‑backed aerial surveys for Saturday morning.

Overview

  • Kohima’s deputy commissioner formed a special team led by SDO Imliakum to coordinate a multi‑agency response that includes police, home guards, forest officials, DDMA, fire services and the Western Angami Youth Organisation.
  • Trekking has been suspended as a precaution, with the Southern Angami Youth Organisation closing routes over concerns the blaze could move toward the southern valley.
  • Rescue teams and volunteers from Khonoma and the Western Angami Youth Organisation assisted operations, and a base camp was set up in Khonoma.
  • Strong winds and poor road and mobile connectivity stalled drone surveillance and delayed a full ground assessment on Friday, officials at the base camp said.
  • A preliminary probe into the cause is under way, and officials noted past fires in 2015 and 2020 that damaged roughly 8–10 sq km and previously required Indian Air Force support.