Our Correspondent
KOHIMA, AUGUST 29
Lok Sabha MP and former Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio today visited the landslide site at Phesama village and inspected the affected areas to take stock of the situation.
The landslide has washed away a portion of the National Highway-29 which passes through the village while 44 houses were damaged and 35 had to be dismantled for precautionary measures, rendering about 250 people homeless. The displaced families are currently being sheltered by their relatives.
“The NH-29 is one of the most important roads which has been in use since the British times, especially during the Second World War,” Rio said, adding, it is also considered the best and shortest road to Manipur. While acknowledging that the area is vulnerable to landslides even in the past, he said it is unfortunate that this year it has been hit with a disaster of great magnitude.
He said the first thing that needs to be done is to help the affected families and arrange alternate settlements for them.
He assured that he will be writing to the PMO regarding the situation and take up with the Central ministries and the disaster response/management authority on how best the affected families can be helped as well as the restoration of the highway.
Expressing concern that the monsoon is likely to last for another month or so, the MP requested the state government to gear up and take necessary steps with all seriousness.
Rio also lauded the Phesama villagers for extending help to commuters and ensuring their safe passage across the landslide area by foot despite their own homes and fields being damaged.
Earlier Saturday morning, the minister of Rural Development, CL John is also reported to have visited the site.
Meanwhile, the legislators of Kohima district including minister for Social Security & Welfare Kiyanilie Peseyie, minister for Forest, Environment & Climate Change Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, parliamentary secretary Housing Levi Rengma, MLA & chairman NSMDC Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, and MLAs Vikho-o Yhoshü and Kropol Vitsu also visited the villagers to share their concern and extend their solidarity at such time of disaster.
The legislators were accompanied by a team of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) Kohima Division, led by its president Gonei-o.
Appeal to parents and guardians
The St. Joseph’s College Jakhama has informed the parents/guardians of its students that the college authorities along with Southern Angami Students’ Union are making efforts to accommodate teachers and students around Jakhama, Kigwema, Mima, Viswema, and Khuzama by Monday, August 31. The college principal, Rev. Dr. Sebastian has appealed to all to cooperate with the college authorities in their effort to reopen the college by Tuesday, September 1.
