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People trying to cross a portion of NH 29, which was damaged by a landslide on Saturday. [/caption]
Kohima, July 28 (EMN): Incessant rain in Kohima during the past several days continue to trigger landslides in various parts of the district. The latest was a massive landslide that occurred at Phesama village, in Kohima district, on Saturday evening, affecting NH-2 along the Dimapur-Kohima-Mao (DKM) sector. The sector connects Nagaland with Manipur. Traffic on said road was completely disturbed following the landslide.
According to the Kohima District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), a landslide measuring about half a kilometre in breadth occurred between Phesama village and the FCI godown towards Kohima town. Two private excavators were immediately pressed into action. However by nightfall, the situation became ‘too risky’ to continue with clearing debris. A considerable number of heavy vehicles including buses and trucks carrying essential goods were seen stranded in the area where the landslide occurred.
While the Kohima traffic police could not be reached for details, Phesama village youths have informed that light vehicles coming from Kohima can be diverted from the Lerie junction (CRPF camp) and take the Pfüchama-Phesama-Kigwema route and vice versa.
Although there was no official statement to corroborate it, many consider that the landslide may have been triggered by quarrying in the same hillock. There are several stone quarries in and around the site where the incident occurred.
The advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha, rushed to the spot to take stock of the situation.
He said that the highway serves as a lifeline to several villages in the southern Angami region and neighbouring Manipur state. He expressed apprehension that the inclement weather could wash away substantial portions of the road.
Neikha was said to be returning from inspecting another landslide at Viswema village, which has not only completely cut off the Viswema to Zuketsa road but also damaged about seven houses. At least four families were reported to have been rendered homeless but they have been provided shelter within families and relatives, Zale said. The Kohima DDMA is reported to have provided immediate relief to the affected families.
Besides, another landslide occurred in the High School area of Kohima town. It affected eight households.
As per the DDMA, other localities that were hit by similar problems during the past couple of days included the Old Ministers’ Hill road, and the Civil Secretariat to New Medical College road in Khuzama village.
Authorities have informed travellers to carry water, fruits and other light food items when travelling as it was unpredictable where and when they might face emergencies.