Our Correspondent
Longchem (Mokokchung), July 05 (EMN): More than 15000 people have been affected after massive landslides at different pockets blocked the life line of 12 villages and Longchem town under Longchem EAC Circle some 97 Km away from Mokokchung town bordering Assam.
The down pour for the past few days has set off landslides since the evening of June 24 and heavy rains continues till today.
Even though the District Disaster Management , Mokokchung and other agencies like the PWD department and voluntary assistance from Village Councils from affected areas are working day and night for the past 11 days to clear the roads.
The affected villages are Japu, Changdang, Lakhuni, Alongtaki Nokpu, Saring, Longchem, Lirmen, Yajang A, Yajang B , Yajang C and Yajang Model village.
Unfortunately, the main bridge connecting Naganijan to Longchem which provide essential commodities from Assam for the affected area was also swept away on June 28 and another bridge connecting Longchem to Saringyim was also washed away on July 01 effecting food supplies and other basic necessities.
ADC Mangkolemba, Imtiwapang informed that the worse affected area is the road that connects to Tuli, the shortest road for the affected villages. Around 15 kilometre stretch of road connecting Tuli has been covered by the landslides and the PWD department is using heavy machineries to clear the road at the earliest.
He also informed continued sliding down of earth and gravels from the slopes triggered by incessant rains are hampering the road clearances.
Nonetheless, he added that road from Mongkolemba ADC Hq to Longchem EAC Hq some 26 kilometres is been cleared today to supply relief to the affected villages with contribution from local MLA, DDMA Mokokchung and DDMA Sub Division.
However, he expressed doubts that landslides might occur again if inclement weather continues.
Imtiwapang, also disclosed that the district administration has contacted its Jorhat (Assam) counterpart and have decided to construct a temporary log bridge with assistance from Jorhat PWD Department and logs supplied by Saring village for easy supply of essential commodities.
Meanwhile, the District Disaster Management Authority Mokokchung has delivered 30 quintals of rice and essential commodities at Longchem EAC Hq to distribute to the effected villages.
