Overview of Tuli Sub-Division during the DDMA Mokokchung field inspection conducted on July 30 to assess the impact of the monsoon and monitor ongoing response and restoration measures. (Photo Courtesy: NSDMA)
NSDMA advises caution as landslide-prone roads remain vulnerable
Kohima, August 3 (MExN): The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) is closely monitoring the ongoing road restoration and response measures across Mokokchung District, following widespread damage caused by continuous monsoon rainfall since July 19 last.
According to the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Mokokchung and the PWD (R&B) Mangkolemba Division reports the rainfall has triggered multiple landslides, land subsidence, flash floods and infrastructure damage, severely affecting road connectivity and public infrastructure.
The NSDMA in a press release informed that heavy earth-moving machinery, including excavators and JCBs have been deployed at multiple locations for debris clearance, slope stabilisation and emergency restoration works. As a result of sustained response efforts, several important road stretches have been reopened for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), significantly improving access for affected communities. These include the Japukong Range Road, Longtho–Japu–Mangkolemba Road, and Milak Bridge–Khar–Mongchen–Mangkolemba Road.
However, the road and bridge leading to Salulemang village, which were completely cut off on July 19, continue to remain under restoration. Officials from the DDMA inspected the site on August 2 and reported that restoration works are progressing steadily and are expected to take approximately another week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
The 6.2-km road connecting Aosenden and Aosungkum villages, the only road linking the two villages, also remains affected due to landslides. DDMA officials carried out a site inspection and monitored ongoing clearance operations on August 2, following an earlier field assessment from the Aosenden Junction.
In Anaki C, DDMA officials inspected the affected areas on July 30 following extensive damage to road infrastructure, agricultural land and plantations caused by the monsoon on July 19. Assessments have been completed and restoration measures are being coordinated with the concerned departments, the NSDMA said.
It also reported that the section of NH-702 at Merangkong, which was cut off on July 19, was inspected by DDMA officials on July 28, with restoration activities continuing to restore normal traffic movement.
Similarly, the road to Wameken village, which serves as the primary access route to the village, remains under restoration after being completely cut off on July 19. DDMA officials inspected the site on July 29, and restoration works are currently in progress.
The Authority further stated that the Jangpetkong Range Road remains one of the most severely affected road corridors in the district. Approximately 43 kilometres of the road continue to remain blocked due to multiple landslides. The stretch between 32 km and 35 km, leading to Warumong, Yimjenkimong and Molungkimong, has experienced extensive slope failures and land subsidence.
The largest landslide at Yimjenkimong could not be inspected as road clearance operations had not yet reached the site owing to multiple blockages along the route, the NSDMA said. During an inspection on August 1, DDMA officials reported that restoration works on the 31–32 km stretch near Warumong are progressing and, weather permitting, are expected to restore vehicular movement within three to four days. This route remains the only road connectivity for the villages of Warumong, Yimjenkimong and Molungkimong.
The Unger Road, connected through NH-702D and serving as the only lifeline for Unger Village and neighbouring villages, also remains under restoration after being cut off on July 19. DDMA officials inspected the affected site on July 29, and restoration efforts are continuing.
The NSDMA further informed that the situation in Tuli Sub-Division was reviewed by DDMA officials during field inspections conducted on July 30, with continued monitoring and restoration measures being undertaken in the affected areas.
The Authority stated that it is maintaining close coordination with the District Administration, DDMA Mokokchung, PWD (R&B) and other line departments to ensure the timely restoration of critical road infrastructure and connectivity to affected habitations.
“Priority continues to be accorded to routes serving as lifelines for remote villages and to facilitating the uninterrupted movement of emergency services, relief operations and essential supplies,” the NSDMA said.
The Authority has advised the public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall, and strictly adhere to advisories issued by the District Administration and concerned departments.
The NSDMA continues to closely monitor the evolving situation and reaffirms its commitment to supporting all response, restoration and recovery efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the people while expediting the restoration of normal connectivity across the district.
