Heavy rainfall has triggered significant landslides on National Highway NH202, particularly at Km 59.900 between Yangli and Mangaki, severely impacting road connectivity from Mokokchung to Tuensang route.

The Executive Engineer of PWD (NH) Tuensang reported that the road is currently impassable for vehicles due to the landslides. Restoration efforts are underway with two JCBs deployed from Tuensang and Mokokchung to clear the debris. However, continuous rainfall over the past three days has hampered progress, making it difficult to predict when the road will be fully restored.

The restoration work Is being supervised by the Executive Engineer himself, along with the SDO from Chare, Junior Engineers, and the District Administration of Longkhim. The engineer said the cause of the landslide is “loose soil by incessant rains.” The engineer emphasized the challenging conditions under which the team is working, noting that heavy rainfall has been particularly intense in the Longkhim area.

The engineer said “the NH202 is a crucial lifeline for the Tuensang and Mokokchung districts. Although an alternative route exists, it is in poor condition and is used only as a last resort.” The engineer assured that efforts are being made to restore the road as soon as possible, but the timeline remains uncertain due to the unpredictable weather.

Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play

This section of NH202 had previously experienced a partial landslide during the Lok Sabha elections on April 19 and 20, which was less severe and still allowed vehicle passage. The recent landslide, however, has made the road non-navigable for cars, necessitating immediate and extensive clearing efforts.

Tuensang DC issues travel advisory

In view of the blockage of National highway NH 202 due to the incessant rains resulting in landslides/breaching of road formation at Km 59.900 of NH202 between Yangli and Mangaki, the Deputy Commissioner of Tuensang has notified that the road will be closed for restoration till further orders.

Travellers from Tuensang to Kohima has been advised to take the Tuensang-Yangli-Zunhebuto-Kohima route while travellers to Mokokchung are advised to take the Tuensang-Longleng-Changtongya-Mokokchung route and vice versa. Inconvenience caused is regretted.