In the wake of relentless rainfall over the past few days, Mokokchung district has witnessed a series of landslides that have severely impacted transportation and caused significant property damage. The national highways connecting the region have been hit particularly hard, with landslides occurring at various points, impeding vehicular movement on August 10.
At the Yisemyong area, two rockslides and one landslide were reported. A family home, located at 164.500 km on NH 61 (New NH02), bore the brunt of the landslide’s force. The structure suffered extensive damage, including the loss of a bathroom and other areas. The incident, which occurred on 10 August 2023 at 6:00 am, left the family’s house in ruins. Nearby residences were also affected, raising concerns about the safety of the entire area. The unstable terrain, attributed to seepage and a sinking zone, has sparked worries about potential further destruction, even affecting the roads themselves.
Further down NH 61, at 166.600 km, another building and an Angawati Centre fell victim to a rockslide. Imrong, Village Chairman of Yisemyong, indicated that the recent rockslide occurred above the highway, leading to damage and displacement of the affected family. Notably, earth cutting for the two-lane road on NH 61 had also been completed in March this year.
Approximately 2 kilometers away, at 166.700 km, yet another rockslide occurred, narrowly missing any inhabited structures. Eyewitnesses reported that the rocks had shifted by approximately 8 inches.
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The most significant landslide took place between Yisemyong and Mongsenyimti, spanning 168.500 km along NH 61 (New NH 02), causing a complete disruption of vehicular movement. The ongoing two-lane project, soon to be designated as NH 02, is being managed by Sri Avantika Contractors I Ltd. Kanoto Zhimomi, Project Head of the company, expressed his surprise at the occurrence, explaining that smaller landslides had previously been observed intermittently. The landslide, stretching across 500 meters, struck unexpectedly around 2:30 pm on August 10th. While the incident was unfortunate, no residential properties were situated in the affected area.
The company promptly mobilized workers, who worked tirelessly to clear the debris and restore traffic flow by 5 pm. Nighttime deployments of traffic personnel ensured the safety of travellers, while ongoing efforts by workers persist to clear remaining debris. Zhimomi additionally conveyed that the company stands prepared to continue its diligent efforts in clearing future landslides within their jurisdiction.
Despite the widespread disruptions caused by these landslides and rockslides, sources have confirmed that traffic on both affected highways has been restored as of late evening.
In the town of Mokokchung, additional property damage was reported. One house suffered complete destruction, while another experienced partial damage in the Marepkong Ward. Similarly, a house in the Sangtemla Ward was also impacted. The District Disaster Management Authority, in collaboration with local administration, is assessing the extent of the damage inflicted by these natural events.
