NH-702A blocked by massive landslide

Diversions Open via Xuivi and Yezhimo

Morung Express News 
Zunheboto | August 2

A massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall has completely blocked a stretch of National Highway (NH)-702A between Satakha and Kilomi Village, disrupting traffic and leaving heavy vehicles stranded.

The landslide occurred on August 1, cutting off vehicular movement along the highway. Toikhu Zhimo, Public Relations Officer of BIMA Project Pvt. Ltd., under Madhucon Company and the National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), noted that if the weather improves and rainfall subsides, it is expected to take at least one and a half days to clear the debris and restore traffic. However, continued rain could delay restoration for more than two days due to the risk of fresh landslides.

The affected stretch had already been hit by an earlier landslide on the evening of August 1. Although road clearance work was carried out, fresh mud and debris from continuous rainfall once again buried the highway, making it completely impassable.

Zhimo said road restoration efforts began immediately after the initial landslide. However, persistent rainfall and repeated mudslides have severely hampered the operation.

He stated that the road had initially been cleared, but another heavy mudslide triggered by incessant rain blocked the entire stretch again, forcing authorities to suspend normal traffic movement.

Meanwhile, commuters have been advised to use alternative routes until the highway is reopened. Vehicles approaching from the Satakha side have been directed to take the diversion via Xuivi Village, while those travelling from the Kilomi side should use the Yezhimo Village diversion.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while using the diversion routes, warning that continuous rainfall may trigger additional landslides and make road conditions hazardous.