Nagaland | Massive landslide cuts off NH 2; families rendered homeless

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KOHIMA, July 29, 2018: Massive landslides triggered by incessant rainfall in the last few days has blocked the NH-2 near Phesama thereby completely cutting off Kohima-Mao Gate road, which is a lifeline to several Southern Angami villages and also neighbouring Manipur.
According to reports, mudslides from above the road near FCI godown, ahead of Phesama village, has totally blocked the highway, some 9km away from Kohima. Police sources confirmed that the highway was cut off and that the mudslide from above the road, was continuously flowing down the road.
Police said some light vehicles were plying via Phesema-Lerie colony Kohima through Kucha road, but added that the road condition was not good.
Advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Zale Neikha, who visited the spot to take stock of the situation, informed that the NH-2 was intact, but massive landslides from the terrain, some 600 meter above the main road, blocked the NH between 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
He added that mudslides along with trees have completely blocked the highway.
Zale expressed apprehension that continuation of the inclement weather condition could even take away the major portion of the road and bridge near FCI Godown, Phesama village.
Some owners of earth excavators (JCB) from Phesama village attempted to clear the mudslides, but failing light and nightfall hampered their efforts, Zale said. He also said that BRO was bringing more equipment to clear the mudslides.
Meanwhile, Zale also inspected the landslide occurred that at Viswema village, which had not only completely cut off Viswema-Zuketsa road, but also damaged at least seven houses , that included severe damages to at least three RCC and four hill type houses.
At least four families were rendered homeless, but were subsequently provided shelter by families and relatives in the village, Zale said. Interacting with affected families, Zale assured them that he would take up the matter with urgency at the government level. He also pulled in the Kohima District Disaster Management Authority to provide immediate relief. Zale also inspected damage caused at Khuzama village.
Meanwhile, according to late night report, landslide had occurred near Botsa village, under Kohima.
When contacted, police sources said that the road clearance works were on.
TNT News with Nagaland Post inputs
Image Courtesy: Nagaland Post