A 70-year-old woman from West Bengal was rescued on December 11 after she slipped and fell during a trek to Dzükou Valley, suffering a suspected hip dislocation. The Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) and the Southern Angami Tour Guide Council (SATGC) jointly carried out the rescue operation.
Rescuers improvised a stretcher using a bedsheet to move the injured trekker across the rugged trail, and in steeper sections, volunteers carried her on their backs. A physiotherapist later examined her before she was shifted to a nearby homestay. The operation continued late into the night due to the terrain and her condition.
Officials said the guides involved in the rescue had undergone disaster management and first-aid training through the Tourism Department, adding that the skills proved crucial in handling the situation. SAYO also thanked the Community Health Centre, Viswema, for sending an ambulance to assist.
The incident has prompted SAYO to reiterate its rule that all visitors must hire registered tour guides when trekking to Dzükou Valley. The organisation raised concerns over increasing safety violations, noting that during the recently concluded Hornbill Festival, many tourists attempted the trek without guides, leading to arguments at entry points. Some visitors were also seen filming and taking photos of officials after being asked to follow the rules—behaviour SAYO said undermines established safety protocols.
SAYO said the compulsory guide requirement is aimed at preventing such incidents and ensuring the safety of trekkers navigating the challenging landscape around Dzükou Valley