Landslide in Kohima hits NH 29; police issues travel advisory

Kohima, July 8 (EMN): Incessant rains during the past few days have set off a landslide along National Highway-29 near Kohima town in the early hours of Sunday. It has affected a considerable stretch of the road and has completely cut off traffic on the highway.

The affected area, located below Avilie Petrol Pump, is a perennial sinking area. Vehicles plying said stretch of road were diverted to alternative routes as an emergency measure following Sunday’s landslide.

The district’s administration along with the Nagaland State Disaster Management (NSDMA) and the Public Works Department (roads and bridges) assessed the damage during the day. Officials have informed that fresh ‘cutting’ needs to be done to restore the road. It has been learnt that several landowners have been contacted and that the PWD would be carrying out the required work at the earliest.

The Kohima police have promptly issued traffic regulations following the landslide on NH-29. The regulations are to be enforced immediately until further notice.

“Plying of all heavy vehicles on NH-29 to and fro Kohima and Dimapur will be restricted till the cut-off stretch of the highway is restored,” the PRO for Kohima police, Talisunep Imchen, stated in a press release.

Light and medium vehicles travelling from Kohima to Dimapur have been directed to travel via Jotsoma village to the by-pass road while heavy vehicles are to take the road via Forest colony Kohima to the by-pass.

Light and medium vehicles travelling from Dimapur to Kohima have been directed to take the Peducha to Chesema road.

The NH-29 does not connect only Dimapur to the state capital but also connects Nagaland with neighbouring Manipur. Many heavy vehicles, particularly those carrying essential commodities, are reportedly expected to be held up due to the landslide.

Mokokchung-Mariani road blocked

Mokokchung, July 8 (EMN): Rains during the past few days in Mokokchung have disrupted normal life and caused landslides in many places throughout the district on Sunday morning.

A late report from the deputy commissioner of Mokokchung, Sachin Jaiswal, informed that landslides near Aokum village in Tzurang valley of Mokokchung district have blocked the Mokokchung-Mariani road. It is the main and shortest trading route for the Mokokchung-Zunheboto-Tuensang-Longleng route with neighbouring Assam.

Jaiswal said that two massive landslides were triggered in Aokum village’s jurisdiction blocking all vehicular moment on Sunday. He added that the affected road comes under the supervision of the Border Road Organization (BRO) and that the staffs were working round the clock to clear the debris.

It is assumed that the road would be cleared by the BRO by Monday.

The deputy commissioner has advised the commuters to take NH-02, the Mokokchung-Amguri road, until normal traffic resumes.

‘Restorative’ works from today

The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Kohima conducted an emergency meeting, presided over by the additional deputy commissioner of Kohima with ‘all line departments’ in Kohima on Sunday following the damage caused to NH 29.

‘During the meeting it was decided that restorative works will begin tomorrow. Talks were also held with the respective land owners and due relief will be given by the NSDMA. The SDRF Kohima unit was also pressed into action where they also evacuated two families. The advisor NSDMA along with the minister, roads and bridges, and other officials from the roads and bridges are personally monitoring the works being carried out.

“The DDMA Kohima is making all necessary arrangements and coordinating with the line departments to compete the restorations work at the earliest possible. According to the NSDMA weather analysis moderate to heavy monsoon rains and thundershowers are expected on July 9th across the state. Rains would reduce slightly but moderate rains are likely over many parts of the state on July 10 and 11,” a press release from the agency stated.

It predicted that on July 12, Kiphire and Mon districts would see light-to-moderate showers but the rest of the districts might experience isolated heavy spells.

“Second half of the week from July 13-15, rains would reduce but again light rains during day time and moderate showers during evening hours cannot be ruled out.

”Day will be partly cloudy to cloudy throughout the week. Maximum temperatures would settle from 25 degrees to 27 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures would be from 16 degree Celsius to 18 degree Celsius.”