Landslide disrupts traffic on Imphal-Silchar highway

IMPHAL — Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide near Awangkhul village in Noney district early Friday, bringing traffic to a standstill on National Highway 37 (Imphal-Silchar highway).

The landslide occurred around 5:00 AM, leaving several goods-laden trucks from Silchar and passenger and empty trucks headed towards Silchar stranded on both sides of the highway.

Restoration work was promptly initiated by the ABCL road construction company, with assistance from local authorities, allowing normal traffic to resume by evening, though only small and light vehicles were allowed to pass as a precaution.

According to Manipur Police, movement of 177 vehicles carrying essential commodities was ensured on the highway prior to the landslide.

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Meanwhile, the search continues for Athisii Athikho, a 50-year-old farmer from Khongnem Thana village in Senapati district, who was swept away by the Barak River on June 24 following continuous heavy rainfall.

The recent floods, triggered by overflowing riverbanks since May 31, had claimed four lives, including three children, and affected around 1.65 lakh people. At least 35,429 houses and 76 public infrastructures across 708 localities have been damaged, according to official records.

On Friday, Tamenglong district recorded 46.3 mm of rainfall, while Noney and Senapati received 15.0 mm and 2.6 mm respectively, according to the Meteorological Centre, Imphal. The IMD has forecast continued rainfall and thundershowers across hill and valley districts through June 28.