Fresh landslides strike Nagaland’s NH-29; sever key links to Kohima and beyond

September 5, 2024 14 Views No Comment

-At least one dead, several missing; search and rescue operation underway

-Essential supply intact; DC Kohima & District Police appeal public not to resort to ‘panic buying’

-State Government will ‘immediately take measures,’ says Zeliang

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 5

Just as a semblance of normalcy was being restored on National Highway-29 after nearly three weeks of blockage near Dzüdza, landslides struck again in two other locations, cutting off the main artery to state capital Kohima and beyond.

The first landslide, resulting in tragic consequences, occurred around 11 PM on September 3 on the NH-29 stretch near Pherima after torrential rain.

According to initial reports, the incident claimed one life, while several others were reported missing. Extensive damage to vehicles and property was also reported.

It must be noted that several vehicles were traveling on the road after the highway had been opened for single-lane traffic following several days of blockage due to another landslide and mudslide higher up on NH-29 near Dzüdza.

Meanwhile, further down from Pherima, a portion of NH-29 at the ‘Pagla-Pahar’ stretch was washed away due to flooding in the Chathe River, completely cutting off the main road connectivity to Kohima and beyond. One side of the four-lane highway in this stretch is closed to traffic due to recurrent rockslides.

Search and rescue operations are still underway and more details are awaited on both incidents.

As news of the landslide at Pherima spread, the public was seen thronging fuel outlets and shops selling essential items. However, district police reassured the public that alternate routes for the supply of essential commodities remain intact.

In an update on X designated as “Important,” the Kohima Police urged the public not to “resort to panic buying as the alternate routes for the supply of essential commodities into the district are still intact.”

The Deputy Commissioner Kohima in an advisory also informed all concerned that there is no shortage of fuel and general essential commodities and urged the public to refrain from “panic buying.”

“The District Administration, Kohima is collaborating with its counterparts of the neighbouring districts to ensure that the supply of essential commodities and fuel are in no way affected by continuing the supply through available alternate route (s),” the DC added.

The alternate routes include Kohima via Niuland-Ghotovi-Zhadima and Dimapur-Peren-Benreu-Khonoma-Kohima. However, the condition of these roads is not known. A longer route via Mokokchung is also available.

CM Rio, Deputy CM Zeliang express anguish
Meanwhile, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio expressed deep concern over the “large-scale destruction” on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall and informed that the State Government will urge for immediate measures from the Government of India (GoI) and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

“I’m deeply concerned by the large-scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation and helping those affected. The State Government will continue to pursue the GoI & @nhidcl for immediate measures and restore normalcy at the earliest,” he posted on X.

Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang, who is also Minister in Charge of Planning and Transformation and National Highway, expressed ‘deep anguish’ over the incidents and informed that search and rescue operations are still underway for those missing.

“It brings deep anguish learning about the unfortunate calamity which occurred last night near Pherima and Pagla Pahar, leading to the loss of life and properties. Search and rescue operations are still underway. Let us pray for the safety of those still missinures to alleviate the pain caused by this natural disaster. We will also assess the situation leading to such frequent disasters on the NH-29 four-lane road.”g,” he posted on X.

Zeliang also informed that the State Government will “immediately take measures to alleviate the pain caused by this natural disaster. We will also assess the situation leading to such frequent disasters on the NH-29 four-lane road.”