Landslide cuts off NH-29, other roads in Kohima

[caption id="attachment_264080" align="alignleft" width="320"] A portion of NH-29 washed away by heavy rains on Sunday morning in Kohima.[/caption] Our Correspondent Kohima, Aug. 4 (EMN): A stretch of National Highway-29 near the old KMC dumping site in Kohima was completely washed away, following incessant downpour in the past few days. Especially, heavy downpour yesterday evening resulted in landslides, which occurred in several places in Kohima district. At the old KMC dumping site below Jotsoma village, the landslides reportedly occurred early this morning and have affected two portions of the road. Speaking to Eastern Mirror, SDO (Civil) of Sechü Zubza, Mhomo Tungoe said that it would take at least three/four days to restore the cut off portions. But this will depend on the weather condition, he added. If heavy downpour continues, it is likely that it will take more days to carry out the restoration works. Tungoe informed that one affected area at the old dumping site has been cleared in the afternoon, while adding that the other area which got completely cut off will take time to repair. Vehicles will need to ply the by-pass road via Jotsoma village until the restoration work is completed, he informed. Meanwhile, SDO Tungoe further informed that at least six other portions of the National Highway were affected due to landslides along the stretch of Kiruphema area falling under Peducha village. However, all the affected portions at Peducha area have been cleared, Tungoe informed. Apart from the National Highway, landslides also occurred in other approach roads connecting Sechü Zubza and Sechüma. But, most of the affected portions were reported to have been cleared. A landslide also occurred near SKV petrol pump in Kohima town in the early hours of Sunday, leading to road blockade during the day. However, district administration and the department concerned were able to clear the road.

Mengujuma completely cut off

Mengujuma, a village in Kohima district, was heavily affected as the only route connecting the village got completely cut off on Sunday. The village is 23 km away from Kohima and falls under the western Angami region. The village is located 4 km away from Peducha. The village council chairman, Thepfusatuo Sechü told Eastern Mirror that over hundred feet of the road was washed away by the rains. The landslides reportedly occurred between 8 am and 9 am. Even worse, it could take well over a week to open the road for vehicular movement. It was informed that officials from the department concerned as well as the district administration would arrive at the affected area on Monday to begin the restoration works. Until then, there will be no entry, and exit, for vehicles.