Several key road stretches in Mokokchung district have been reopened for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) following emergency restoration works after the monsoon-induced devastation of July 19, even as several lifeline routes remain cut off and restoration efforts continue, the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) said on Monday.
In a comprehensive update on the district’s ongoing response and recovery measures, the NSDMA said it is coordinating with the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), PWD (R&B) and other line departments to restore connectivity damaged by continuous rainfall that has triggered landslides, flash floods, land subsidence and infrastructure damage since July 19.
The authority said heavy earth-moving equipment, including excavators and JCBs, has been deployed across multiple locations for debris clearance, slope stabilisation and emergency restoration works.
According to the NSDMA, the Japukong Range Road, Longtho–Japu–Mangkolemba Road, and Milak Bridge–Khar–Mongchen–Mangkolemba Road have been reopened for LMVs, significantly improving access to affected communities.
However, several critical road links remain under restoration.
The road and bridge leading to Salulemang Village, which were completely cut off on July 19, are still under restoration. Following an inspection on August 2, DDMA officials reported that works are progressing steadily and are expected to take about another week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
The 6.2-km road linking Aosenden and Aosungkum villages—the only road connecting the two villages—also remains affected by landslides. DDMA officials inspected the site on August 2 and monitored ongoing clearance operations.
Restoration is also continuing on the road to Wameken Village, the only access route to the village, and on the Unger Road, which serves as the primary lifeline for Unger Village and neighbouring areas after both routes were severed by the July 19 monsoon.
The NSDMA said one of the worst-affected corridors remains the Jangpetkong Range Road, where approximately 43 kilometres continue to be blocked by multiple landslides.
The stretch between the 32-km and 35-km marks leading to Warumong, Yimjenkimong and Molungkimong has suffered extensive slope failures and land subsidence. The authority said the largest landslide near Yimjenkimong has yet to be inspected as road-clearing teams have not reached the site because of multiple blockages.
During an inspection on August 1, DDMA officials reported that restoration of the 31–32 km stretch near Warumong is progressing and, weather permitting, vehicular movement is expected to be restored within three to four days. The road is the only access route to Warumong, Yimjenkimong and Molungkimong villages.
The NSDMA also said the damaged section of NH-702 at Merangkong remains under restoration following inspections by DDMA officials, while damage assessments have been completed in Anaki C, where roads, agricultural land and plantations were affected by the July 19 rains.
The authority added that conditions in Tuli Sub-Division continue to be monitored following field inspections carried out on July 30.
According to the NSDMA, 19 people from nine families remain sheltered in relief camps in Mokokchung district, with the district administration continuing to provide relief assistance and essential services.
The authority said it is maintaining close coordination with the district administration, DDMA Mokokchung, PWD (R&B) and other line departments to restore critical road infrastructure, particularly routes serving as lifelines for remote villages and those needed for the movement of emergency services, relief operations and essential supplies.
The NSDMA advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall, and follow advisories issued by the district administration and concerned departments.