Nagaland Chief Minister visits landslide-affected sites, takes stock of situation

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio visited landslide-affected areas along the National Highway-29 (NH-29) on Thursday, a day after devastating landslides crippled the crucial Kohima-Dimapur four-lane road, besides lost of lives and damage to property.

“Visited landslide-affected areas along NH-29 and took stock of the current situation. Reiterated to the concerned authority to expedite restoration of regular vehicular movement. The Govt. will ensure that inconvenience to citizens is minimised and normalcy restored at the earliest,” wrote Rio on X.

DIPR also updated that the CM inspected the landslide area at Pherima on Thursday.

At least six people were killed and four others injured in a massive landslide at Pherima in Chümoukedima district. The tragic incident took place on Tuesday night but the bodies of the victims were recovered on the following day.

Also read: Nagaland government prioritising NH-29 restoration, aid for landslide victims

The rain-triggered landslides left a trail of destruction, as vehicles were buried and houses damaged.

The Pagala Pahar stretch of NH-29 was also cut off after a massive landslide washed away a large portion of the road, including the lane divider.

Following this, the chief minister convened a high-level meeting on Wednesday to address the crisis and outline immediate relief measures. The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) was directed to expedite the release of ex-gratia payments to the families of the victims and the injured.

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) was also directed to ensure that the NH-29 becomes operational within 24 hours and ensure that the flow of essential supplies such as fuel, food, and other necessities are not adversely affected.