Mudslides block Phesama-Kisama by-pass, damage vehicles and property

KOHIMA — One more bout of heavy rainfall on Sunday triggered mudslides along the Phesama-Kisama by-pass road, damaging several vehicles and nearby properties, and temporarily disrupting traffic on the only alternate route after National Highway 2 was cut off last month.

The landslides occurred at around 2 pm near Rhododendron Resort, blocking the road and affecting commuters.

Residents of Phesama village responded promptly, assisting affected passengers and vehicles to safety, and mobilised machinery to begin clearing debris.

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President of the Phesama Youth Organisation, Viyie Kuotsu, told Eastern Mirror that about eight vehicles were damaged and some nearby farmhouses were also partially affected.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported.

Kuotsu said that youth volunteers helped stranded vehicles along the highway pass through the affected stretch for a few hours, though they were doing so at their own risk.

Sources from Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) confirmed that vehicles bound for Kohima were temporarily allowed to pass.

However, officials warned that the condition remained risky and a complete road closure might become necessary.

While initial clearing efforts were carried out by the villagers, the Public Works Department (NPWD R&B South Division, Kohima) later deployed additional machinery to assist.

Officials said that more time would be required to make the road fully motorable again.

With the soil above the road loosened by the rains, there's a risk of further slides if the heavy rainfall continues.