The members of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Longleng, led by the Deputy Commissioner, W Manpai Phom conducted a spot verification of the landslide-affected stretch of the Changtongya -Longleng Road (NH-702) on September 15.
The District Administration, Mokokchung represented by Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Changtongya also accompanied the inspection team.
The road stretch from Chainage 5+785 to 6+050 was severely affected following persistent rainfall during the night of September 11, resulting in a complete disruption of vehicular movement along the affected stretch. The Changtongya–Longleng Road (NH-702) serves as a vital lifeline for Longleng District, connecting the District Headquarters with the rest of the State and facilitating the movement of people and essential commodities.
The NHIDCL along with the executing agency, Nithin Sai Construction (NSC), has been carrying out continuous debris clearance and restoration works since September 12. However, the ongoing monsoon and recurring mudslides and landslides at the site have made the clearance work difficult and slowed down the restoration process. Certain local issues at the site have been resolved through active coordination and support of the District Administration, Mokokchung
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In view of the situation, the DDMA has issued a Travel Advisory for light vehicles to use the alternate route via Tangha–Kangching–Merangkong Road until normal vehicular movement is restored along the affected stretch of NH-702. The alternate route is also being maintained by the DDMA to facilitate the movement of light vehicles.
The fresh disruption comes at a time when the district is still recovering from the extensive damages caused by incessant rainfall, landslides and related incidents since July 19. With restoration and recovery efforts from the earlier disruption still underway in several areas, the latest landslide has placed an additional strain on the district’s connectivity and on-going disaster response efforts.
Another major concern for the district is the complete stoppage of heavy vehicle movement since the occurrence of the landslide on September 12. The prolonged restriction on heavy vehicles is likely to have a direct impact on the transportation and supply of essential commodities to the district, particularly fuel and other essential supplies transported through oil tankers. Continued disruption may consequently place additional pressure on the availability of essential commodities if normal connectivity is not restored at the earliest.
Public have been advised to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel along the affected stretch, and follow the advisories issued by the District Administration and DDMA until normal vehicular movement is restored.
