Massive landslides hit NH 29 in Nagaland, six dead

In Nagaland, a portion of the National Highway-29 connecting state capital Kohima with commercial hub Dimapur has been completely washed away, following heavy rainfall last night. A massive landslide took place at two locations along the Dimapur-Kohima highway, wherein the National Highway is now completely cut off for vehicular movement.According to Deputy Commissioner of Chumoukedima  Polan John confirmed the death of two persons, while search and rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force are underway for the missing persons.. John informed that three to four persons are missing. He also said, due to the heavy downpour, several houses and hotels at the roadside were damaged. The Deputy Commissioner further said, the clearance of roads will take time in view of the severity of the landslides.

Traffic disrupted at Kohima in Nagaland as the NH-29, road connecting to Dimapur has been cut off at multiple locations due to landslides caused by incessant rains this morning. pic.twitter.com/UHZCg67EQf

— Tamaghna Banerjee (@tamaghnaTOI) September 4, 2024

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has expressed deep concern by large-scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. In a social media post, Mr. Rio said authorities are on-site assessing the situation and helping those affected and said the state government will continue to pursue with the central government and NHIDCL for immediate measures and restore normalcy at the earliest. 

I'm deeply concerned by large scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those affected. The State Govt will continue to pursue with the GoI & @nhidcl for immediate measures & restore normalcy at the earliest

— Neiphiu Rio (@Neiphiu_Rio) September 4, 2024

The state authorities said, “They have recovered six bodies including of a woman so far. There have been reports of few more people missing.” The incidents occurred on Tuesday night and in the wee hours of Wednesday at multiple places.