A devastating landslide struck National Highway 29 near Pherima in Chümoukedima district on Tuesday, September 3, claiming the lives of at least five individuals. The incident, which occurred when a large portion of the highway collapsed into a gorge, has also left several others injured, though the exact number remains unconfirmed. Authorities have since confirmed that the death toll has risen to six.
The deceased have been identified as Khriesangulie (46, M) of Kijümetuma village; Samir Dutta (43, M) residing in Pherima village; Anhieü (57, F) of Kijümetuma village; Daju (60, M) residing in Pherima village; Sopon Biswas (52, M); and Vijay (28, M) also from Pherima village.
Additionally, many others were injured in the tragedy.
In the wake of massive mudslides and landslides affecting key routes between Kohima and Dimapur, Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, issued an urgent advisory to the public on September 4, 2024.
A massive mudslide at Pherima, combined with significant landslides at Tseipama/Piphema and a major landslide at Pagala Pahar/New Chümoukedima, has resulted in the complete blockage of National Highway 29 (NH-29). The affected section of the road has been washed away, rendering it impassable for all vehicular traffic between Kohima and Dimapur.
In light of these road conditions, the police have also advised against using the alternate Pimla-Mhainamtsi route, as it is similarly affected by mudslides and landslides.
For those needing to travel, the Niuland-Kohima route via Zhadima remains open for light motor vehicles only. Heavy vehicles are prohibited from using this route due to safety concerns.
The Commissioner issued this advisory as a matter of public safety and urgency. Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution during the ongoing adverse weather conditions and to plan their journeys accordingly.
In addition to the travel disruptions, Deputy Commissioner Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, has issued a public advisory after observing that the general public has been panic buying essential commodities and fuel, driven by a mistaken belief in an impending shortage due to the landslides affecting NH-29 on the night of September 3 and 4, 2024.
The DC has assured the public that there is no shortage of supplies. The District Administration of Kohima is actively collaborating with neighboring districts to ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities and fuel via alternate routes.
The Kohima Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) has also urged the public to maintain normal purchasing habits and avoid bulk buying, which could lead to unnecessary confusion. KCCI has reassured the public that food grains and essential commodities are in stock and will be made available as needed. Additionally, KCCI has directed traders and shop owners not to engage in price gouging or exploit the situation for profit. Those found charging exorbitant rates will face penalties, it said.
Chumoukedima district admin conducts on-site inspection
Due to incessant rain over the past few weeks and a cloudburst, a massive landslide occurred at Pherima Village, under Medziphema Sub-Division, cutting off a portion of NH-29 on the evening of September 3, 2024, around 10:00-10:30 p.m.
On September 4, 2024, DC Chumoukedima, Polen John; ADC Chumoukedima, Kuzonyi Wideo; and ADC Medziphema, James Swu, along with EAC and DBs and accompanied by police personnel, conducted an on-site inspection of the landslide-affected area.
The six persons who lost their lives were: Kriesangulie (M), Samir Dutta (M), Sonhie (F), Daju (M), Bijay (M), and Sopon Biswas (M). Additionally, three rice hotels were destroyed, and five trucks, eleven light motor vehicles, and one two-wheeler were damaged by the landslide.
A total of 15 SDRF personnel were deployed for the rescue operation. The DDMA Chumoukedima, District Administration, DEF Chumoukedima, Traffic Police Chumoukedima, village council, churches, youth groups, and VDMA of Pherima Village also participated in the search and rescue operation and recovered the missing bodies.
Meanwhile, the DC Chumoukedima has issued a travel advisory urging extreme caution and advising the use of alternative routes.
DC Kohima identifies alternative route for heavy vehicles via Mkg, Wokha
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant IAS, has issued an advisory stating that due to landslides affecting a portion of NH-29 on the night between September 3rd and 4th, 2024, resulting in the blockage of the highway from Kohima to Dimapur, the following alternate route has been identified to ensure the continued supply of essential commodities and fuel for Kohima District:
1. Jorhat-Mariani-Tsutapela Nagaland Gate-Tsurangkong-Longtho-Longnak-Changki- Chungtia- Mokokchung-VK-Wokha-Tseminyu-Kohima.
2. Merapani-Bhandari-Baghty-Sanis-Doyang Bridge-Wokha-Tseminyu- Kohima (upto 10 Tonnes only)
DC Niuland issues help desk numbers
For travelers using the alternate Niuland-Kohima route via Ghotovi-Zhadima, the DC Niuland has issued help desk numbers to assist with queries and ensure safe travel. The route remains open only to light passenger vehicles due to its narrow width and weak culverts.
For further queries, travellers have been asked to seek the help desk numbers of: Vitoka Yepthomi, EAC Niuland: 7005469924; Inahoto Sema, EE, PWD (R&B): 6009887733; James Jami, ACP Niuland: 7085055012; Kakheka Zhimomi, Chairman NTC: 7005492090; and Kahoto Jimomi, Hd GB Ghotovi village: 6009749025
Nagaland governor expresses sorrow and support
The Governor of Nagaland expressed anguish and sorrow over the tragic landslides that occurred along the Kohima-Dimapur National Highway on September 3, 2024. This natural calamity has caused severe devastation, affecting many and resulting in tragic loss of lives and injuries, he said.
The Governor extended his condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident. He mourned the untimely loss of precious lives and stated that he stands in solidarity with the bereaved families during this time of grief.
He also expressed sympathy and support for all the families whose homes and livelihoods have been adversely impacted by the calamity. The Governor assured that the state government is taking all necessary measures to provide relief and assistance to those affected.
He wished a speedy recovery to all the injured.
The Governor called upon the people of Nagaland to come together in solidarity and offer every possible support to assist those in need. He also acknowledged the unwavering efforts of the district administration, police, government departments, local authorities, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly in the affected areas.
Dy CM Zeliang mourns six lives lost in NH-29 mudslide
Deputy Chief Minister TR Zeliang, who oversees National Highways, has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of six lives due to a mudslide that occurred on Tuesday night along National Highway 29 at Pherima.
Zeliang extended his heartfelt condolences to the families and communities affected by the devastating incident. He emphasized that his thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones and appealed to the public to adhere to safety advisories as the state grapples with severe mudslide issues caused by incessant rain.
The Deputy Chief Minister reassured the public that the government is committed to ensuring their safety and preventing future tragedies. He stated that all concerned agencies are already in place and are working round the clock to restore the damaged highway.
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