700+ people sheltered at relief camps in Tuensang

TUENSANG — There is an air of distress and concern for the people of Tuensang as more than 700 individuals are currently affected and taking refuge in relief camps at C/Khel local ground in Tuensang village.

The relief camps were initiated by the Tuensang District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) after citizens from Phinjang Colony and NST sector complained about dangers and risks involved in residing on those landslide and land sinking affected areas.

Considering the need to accommodate more individuals and households, the Tuensang Village Baptist Church has aided the committee by providing another hall for the displaced people.

It was informed that some people at the camps have expressed the need for relief camps in or around the town as there are students and working people who are facing transportation problem, the village being at least ten kilometre away from the main town.

The committee had established the relief camps on July 29 for a period of 60 days, which was likely to be extended if no positive steps or actions are undertaken at the earliest by the government.

Meanwhile, the Tuensang Voice, a non-profit group comprising of like-minded citizens from Tuensang established in the year 2012, has initiated a donation drive from 6 August to the 15th for the families affected by the disaster.

The group has requested well-wishers to donate in cash or in kind. A member of the group stated that “the response from the people of Tuensang has been great.”

The number of people taking refuge in the relief camps are said to increase in the coming days.

“More than 50 people will be coming in again by the eve of August 7 itself,” a source said.