GuwahatiAt least six people were killed and several others injured after heavy rains triggered a massive landslide on National Highway 29 that disrupted the route between Dimapur and the capital Kohima near Pherima village in Nagaland.
State authorities said that “six bodies have been recovered so far, including that of a woman. There are reports that more people are missing.”
According to sources, a portion of the same road was washed away by water in New Chumukedima on Tuesday evening. Hundreds of vehicles are reported to be stranded on those roads.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said in a social media post that authorities are helping those affected. “I am deeply concerned about the large-scale destruction on NH-29 caused by the incessant rains. Authorities are on the spot assessing the situation and helping those affected. The state government will continue to work with the Government of India @nhidcl so that immediate action is taken and normalcy is restored at the earliest,” Rio said on Wednesday morning.
The incidents occurred on Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning in several locations. Large sections of the highway were seen blocked in viral videos. Several vehicles were stranded.
The Dimapur police commissioner’s office has issued an advisory to travellers: “In view of the massive landslide at Pherima, landslide at Tseipama/Piphema and another major landslide on NH 29 (Pagala Pahar/New Chumoukedima) which has washed away an entire section of the road, all vehicular traffic between Kohima and Dimapur on NH-29 is blocked as no plying is possible on this stretch of road,” the advisory said.
He added that “the alternative route via Pimla-Mhainamtsi for travelling between Kohima and Dimapur is also not recommended due to the landslides and mudslides mentioned above. The Niuland-Kohima road via Zhadima can only be used by light motor vehicles. Heavy vehicles will not be allowed to ply on this route.”