Joint Verification Team led by Assistant Manager, NSDMA, Jonji Odyuo and members, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Meluri, Dr. Shipatu Thupitor; Extra Assistant Commissioner, Lephori, C. Tsalirnse Sangtam; Nodal Officer, DDMA-Phek, David Thupitor; Consultant, NSDMA, Kati Jamir, undertook a three-day on-the-spot assessment at the villages of Kanjang, Reguri and Akhen from 7th to 9th October, 2021. As per the assessment, the total confirmed deaths at the time of reporting was 204 — 112 from Reguri village, 82 from Kanjang village and 10 from Akhen village, while several buffalos are still reportedly missing. The total number of affected families/farmers stands at 106. Medical reports undertaken on this regard suggest that the cause of death is Haemorrhagic Septicemia, a bacterial disease that mainly affects cattle and water buffalos. As a preventive measure, the District Administration has ordered for blanket ban on import, slaughtering/butchering and transit of buffalos within the Sub-Division indefinitely. The team also had interactive sessions with members of each village, thereby ascertaining the on-ground grievances faced by the villagers. The unexpected calamity has left the families of these villages in huge economic distress as they are highly dependent on the animals not only for consumption but also for agricultural purposes. (IA Meluri)