More than 30 vehicles have been stranded along the Mokokchung-Tuensang NH-202 road following a massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall. Clearance operation has been initiated to restore vehicle movement. However, stranded passengers and drivers faced difficulties as the incident occurred late at night, and due to lack of immediate contact with the concerned authorities, they remained stuck for several hours without assistance.
The landslide occurred about half a kilometre before the first bridge from Tzusapang Road, Mokokchung, blocking the highway and affecting vehicles travelling towards both Mokokchung and Tuensang sides.
Last night experienced persistent rainfall from around 11:30 pm last night until this morning, leading to the landslide and mudslide.
Vehicles affected include passenger sumos, commercial trucks, and pickup trucks. Informing Nagaland Tribune from the location, Limaonen, who was travelling with a team of seven in a passenger sumo towards Noklak, said that the number of vehicles stranded on their side alone had crossed 30.
He said the situation has remained since midnight and that they had left Mokokchung early morning before getting stuck at the affected stretch. He also informed that he had reached out to the authorities through a WhatsApp community group seeking assistance.
Two pickup vehicles carrying broiler chickens in bulk quantities have been among the worst affected. One of the drivers, Suresh, told Nagaland Tribune that he was travelling from Maraine towards Tuensang around 8:30 pm on Thursday and reached the landslide area around 2 am, where he was trapped due to the mudslide.
He said he has been stranded for nearly six hours with around 14-15 quintals of broiler chickens loaded in his vehicle. Around 15 chickens have died due to heat and humidity after remaining stuck in one location for hours.
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Suresh said the consignment was meant for shops in Tuensang and the Assam Rifles camp. The chickens were moved towards an area with fresh air to reduce the heat impact, but the situation remains critical if the road is not cleared soon. Another pickup vehicle carrying broiler chickens is also stranded.
Trucks carrying ration supplies towards Tuensang and passenger vehicles travelling towards Noklak, Tuensang and other areas are also affected.
Following the information, Nagaland Tribune contacted the SDO in charge of the Mokokchung-Tuensang National Highway. The SDO informed that the affected stretch comes under Tuensang Division and the contractor responsible for the Mokokchung-Chare stretch, with its camp located at Dikhu Bridge, has been informed.
He said the contractor has been assigned to maintain the road stretch for five years until 2030, after which it will be handed over to the department in 2031.
The SDO further informed that a JCB has been sent to the location to clear the mudslide and assist in restoring movement. A pickup truck travelling from Tuensang towards Mariani was also reportedly trapped after the landslide occurred ahead of it, while the rear side was also blocked.
Stranded passengers and drivers are currently waiting for the clearance work to be completed.
Meanwhile, clearance operation has been initiated to restore traffic movement. The JCB sent by the contractor is currently clearing the mudslide area.
The SDO in charge of the highway also assured that he would personally visit the site and assess the situation.
