As incessant rains persisted, a massive mudslide and subsidence occurred along the Kohima-Manipur National Highway-2 at Phesama, a few meters away from the Naga Heritage Village Kisama exit, completely destroying a portion of the road on Monday.
Local MLA Kevipodi Sophie, who visited the affected sited to take stock of the situation, said the area is landslide-prone as multiple landslides had hit the said stretch in the past as well. Pointing out that the highway is a lifeline for Nagaland and Manipur, he stressed the urgent need for restoration. He assured that he would raise the issue with the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and push for immediate repairs.
He also questioned the delay in constructing of nearby bypass road, stating, “Had this road been completed, this could have provided some relief to this National Highway.”
The MLA outlined the challenges ahead– that NHIDCL must work round-the-clock to restore the road, compensate for the damaged land, acquire necessary additional land, and address villagers’ concerns. “The lifeline of most villages in the Southern Angami area and Manipur has been completely cut off,” he added.
He pointed to a nearby water source as the likely cause of the landslide, and emphasized the need for scientific investigation and long-term solutions.
“This is a landslide-prone area. Concrete decisions and actions must be taken to prevent future disasters,” Sophie said.
Despite the damage, students of schools and colleges in the area continued to attend classes under extreme hardship. “We have a small, makeshift route above the road, but the conditions are very difficult,” the MLA stated, empathizing with the ordeal that students ar facing, especially those appearing exams.
Phesama Youth Organization (PYO) president Veyie Kuotsu said the southern Angami villages are now severed from the rest of the state.
He reported that the landslide began on Saturday and worsened by Sunday morning, trapping several heavy vehicles. Locals assisted in recovery efforts, though some goods and vehicles were damaged. “Thankfully, no casualties occurred,” he said.
District officials, including SDO Civil Jakhama and Southern Angami Youth Organisation (SAYO) leaders also inspected the site.
Koutsu said constructive discussions were held, and he expressed hope for a swift administrative action to aid stranded individuals.
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Most buses and smaller vehicles have been rerouted, but around 170 trucks remained stranded along the highway.
Locals including youth groups, village councils, and churches are providing food, shelter, and support to stranded travellers.
With students severely impacted due to ongoing exams, the PYO has arranged parking at a local ground and is coordinating transportation to colleges. Light vehicles are using an alternate route.
Koutsu confirmed discussions with NHIDCL, pledging full community support. He urged NHIDCL and the state government to deploy technical expertise and expedite repairs to restore normalcy.
“This road must be permanently secured to prevent future disruptions,” the youth leader emphasized.
Meanwhile, a stranded goods transportation driver shared that he had been stuck at the incident area for three days, facing food shortages and lack of toilet facilities. Despite rationing supplies and buying from nearby shops, cooking was often impossible due to rain, he said.
Another driver informed that nearly 500 people—drivers and helpers- were stranded for two-three days without proper sleep, food, or water.
An Airtel worker at the site confirmed damage to a pole from the prevailing conditions. He said there will be network connectivity issues but assured partial restoration by night.
