Heavy and incessant rains have unleashed a wave of landslides across Nagaland, leaving major highways blocked and cutting off key districts from the rest of the state.
Among the worst-hit routes is the Maram–Peren Road, which has been totally cut off near Peren Town, around 6 km from Tepuike Bridge towards Tampong. Sources on the ground said the road damage is severe and could take more than a month to repair. Another landslide has also blocked NH-129A just before reaching Tuipuki Bridge, shortly after crossing Peren.
Other major roads impacted by landslides include Satakha–Zunheboto Road, Longleng–Tuensang Road and Maram Centre approach road (travel advisory issued to check status before travelling)
Emergency meeting convened at NSDMA
In response to the widespread damage, Z Nyusietho Nyuthe, Advisor for New & Renewable Energy and the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), convened an emergency meeting on September 15, 2025 at the NSDMA Conference Hall, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima.
The meeting was attended by representatives from:
· Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) (National Highways)
· Water Resources Department
· Public Health Engineering Department (PHED)
· The Commissioner of Nagaland
· Various District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)
· National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)
Urgent repairs, coordination, and resilience measures stressed
Nyuthe highlighted the disaster incident reports from multiple districts including Chumoukedima, Meluri, Kiphire, Noklak, Dimapur, Shamator, Mokokchung, Kohima and Peren, detailing landslides, flooding, and infrastructure losses.
He called for swift action to restore road connectivity, the deployment of additional machinery to disaster-prone areas, and sustained inter-departmental coordination, while also urging line departments and NHIDCL to adopt disaster-resilient construction practices suited to Nagaland’s hilly terrain.
He further emphasised continuous monitoring of water levels in vulnerable river zones like the Chathe River and Dhansiri River.
Critical alternative route flagged
Johnny Rongmei, Joint CEO of NSDMA, urged the Deputy Commissioners of Chumoukedima and Peren to prioritize maintenance of the Sukhovi–Mhainamtsi Road, calling it a critical alternative route amid heavy mudslides and landslides on NH-29.
He asked that maximum resources be allocated to repair and maintain this stretch for heavy vehicle movement, and suggested stationing machinery on standby to reduce congestion and manage traffic. He also directed PWD field officers, executive engineers and SDOs to inspect and identify the worst-hit areas needing immediate attention.
DDMAs report extensive damages
Through a video conference, the DDMAs from affected districts presented real-time reports on road blockages, infrastructure collapse, and ongoing restoration efforts, while also seeking immediate relief and support to continue the work.
Landslide-hit NH-29 at Pagalapahar partially reopened for traffic
The Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, has informed that the landslide-affected stretch of National Highway-29 along Chathe/Tsiedukhru (Pagalapahar) has been partially reopened for vehicular movement.
According to an advisory issued today, light motor vehicles are permitted to ply in a single lane with restrictions from today. Heavy motor vehicles with up to six wheels will be allowed only from 8:00 AM tomorrow. In case of heavy rainfall, the stretch will be closed without prior notice.