Attention: Severe Weather Alert

Heavy storms expected in the next 48 hours

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority has informed the general public that ‘Mahasen’, a tropical cyclone originating from the Indian Ocean is expected to landfall in the Bangladesh and Myannmar coast. A press note by the Home Commissioner of Nagaland, Temjen Toy stated that this would result in heavy thunderstorm/squalls in the north east of the country including Nagaland during the next 48 hours.

In this regard, the public has been requested to not panic or spread rumours but to stay alert. The Home Commissioner informed that the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), a specialised force, “trained and well equipped has also been alerted for any emergency.” He informed the public to read the ‘dos and don’ts’ issued by the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), Home Department, and to be prepared for the expected severe weather condition.

Cyclone/Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Before The Cyclone/Thunderstorm 
•    Secure loose tiles, carry out repair works for doors and windows 
•    Remove dead woods or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects like lumber piles, loose tin sheds, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds 
•    Keep wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed 
•    Keep battery operated torches and enough dry cells 
•    Keep dry non-perishable food for emergency use 

When The Cyclone/Thunderstorm Occurs
•    Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather warnings). 
•    Ignore rumors and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic. 
•    When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal working but stay alert to the radio warnings. 
•    A cyclone alert means that the danger is within 24 hours. Stay alert. 
•    Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets flooded 
•    If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in the safer part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do not hesitate. 
•    Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place. 
•    Provide strong suitable support for outside doors. 
•    Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitable vessels. 
•    If you are to evacuate the house move your valuable articles to upper floors to minimize flood damage. 
•    Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room. 
•    Make provision for children and adults requiring special diets. 
•    If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction. 
•    Switch off electrical mains in your house. 
•    Remain calm.

When Evacuation Is Instructed
•    Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last you a few days, including medicines, special foods for babies and children or elders. 
•    Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area. 
•    Do not worry about your property 
•    At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge. 
•    Remain in the shelter until you have been informed to leave 

Post-Cyclone/Thunderstorm Measures
•    You must get inoculated against diseases immediately. 
•    Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from the lamp posts. 
•    If you are to drive, drive carefully. 
•    Clear debris from your premises immediately. 
•    Report the correct loss to appropriate authorities. 

Nagaland State Disaster 
Management Authority