Continuous heavy rainfall over the past few days has unleashed widespread landslides and flash floods across multiple districts of Nagaland, disrupting transport links and inundating low-lying areas.
In Chümoukedima district, massive landslides and rockfalls struck the Tsiedukhru range, popularly known as Pagla Pahar, along National Highway 29 on Sunday, cutting off the vital Dimapur–Kohima corridor. The incessant downpour triggered multiple mudslides between the highway fuel station and Patkai Bridge under Chümoukedima Ward 1, forcing traffic police to seal the route and leaving hundreds of commuters stranded for hours.
The alternate Niuland–Zhadima route was also blocked by a landslide at Ghotovi village, further choking connectivity between Nagaland’s commercial and state capitals.
The Dimapur police on Sunday announced closure of vehicular movement along the Chathe–Paglapahar–New Chümoukedima stretches of NH-29 following mudslides and landslides at multiple locations.
By afternoon, only light motor vehicles (LMVs) and emergency services were allowed to use the Pimla–Mhainamtsi road, while heavy vehicles remained barred. An excavator was stationed along the route for immediate clearance if fresh slides occurred. Though the Niuland–Zhadima road was reopened around noon, authorities warned that continuous rains could trigger further blockages.
An advisory from the Commissioner of Police, Dimapur stated that the stretch between Chathe Bridge and New Chümoukedima Bridge will remain closed until restoration work is completed.
Vehicles travelling between Dimapur and Kohima have been asked to use two alternative routes:
· Pimla–Mhainamtsi–Jharnapani/Medziphema: Open for LMVs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. HMVs carrying essential goods (up to six wheelers) will be allowed from Pimla to Mhainamtsi between 6 p.m. and 12 midnight, and in the reverse direction from 12 midnight to 6 a.m.
· Niuland–Ghotovi–Zhadima: Open only for LMVs.
Meanwhile, torrential rainfall early Sunday morning triggered flood-like conditions across several low-lying colonies in Dimapur, which were still reeling from previous inundation. The worst-hit localities include Vilhume Colony, SM Colony, and Mao Colony (Lane-9) at Kuda B Village, where overflowing drains submerged roads and seeped into homes. Residents reported water levels rising to thigh level in some stretches, while the road leading to Poumai Church at Mao Colony was completely underwater.
According to Angukato K Yeptho, ASI of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Chümoukedima, the water levels of the Chathe and Dhansiri River have crossed the danger mark, putting the Dubagaon-Khughovi Bridge at risk of submersion if the Chathe continues to swell.
In neighbouring Peren district, multiple landslides were reported along the Mhainamtsi–Pimla road, prompting Deputy Commissioner Hiazu Meru to issue a travel advisory. As per the order, light vehicles will be allowed from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., while heavy vehicles (up to six-wheelers) will be permitted uphill from Pimla to Mhainamtsi between 6:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. and downhill from Mhainamtsi to Pimla between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Authorities said round-the-clock monitoring and clearance operations are underway, but cautioned that persistent rainfall could worsen conditions and trigger fresh slides across affected stretches.
Meanwhile, the All-Nagaland Taxi Association, Wokha Unit, has cautioned taxi operators against overcharging passengers while plying on longer alternate routes. The unit advised its members to use the Wokha–Marachu (Merapani)–Dimapur route and adhere strictly to the RTA-approved fare rates, warning that overcharging will not be tolerated.