DIMAPUR, Aug 3 - The Eastern Air Command of Indian Air Force could not airdrop essential commodities in the landslide-affected districts of Nagaland today due to inclement weather.
Sources said two Air Force helicopters with essential commodities took off from Dimapur airport in the morning but had to return as landing in the affected areas was not possible because of bad weather condition.
The places where essential commodities were to be airdropped included Tening and 36 Assam Rifles company camp in Peren district, Tobu in Mon district, Kiphire headquarters and Pungro in Kiphire district and Noklak and Noksen in Tuensang district.
The State Home department had tied up with Ministry of Home Affairs for air lifting of essential commodities to the cut-off areas. However, the operation has been kept on hold at present owing to the prevailing inclement weather conditions in the affected areas.
Incessant rains that triggered multiple landslides and mudslides in several places in Kohima district have damaged a total of 118 houses and 167 families have been affected since July 8 till Friday.
Meanwhile, the body of the fourth drowned victim has been retrieved. Five boys drowned in swirling current of Tsutha river on July 31.
The State Government on Friday sanctioned Rs 4 lakh each as ex-gratia to the next of the deceased families.
