In one of the worst ever tragedy on the national highway, six people lost their lives after a flashflood-cum-mudslide, triggered by heavy downpour, swept several stalls and some cars parked along the NH-29 below the road.
The incident happened at Pherima village late Tuesday night at around 11 p.m. At least four were reported injured while it is not known if there are still any missing.
According to some of those who escaped, there was a sudden flashflood carrying debris consisting of mud and boulders. The mudslide smashed vehicles and a number of the nearby roadside stalls killing six and injuring others.
According to police sources the bodies of all the six who died were retrieved by a combined team of police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers.
The deceased were identified as(1) Khriesangulie (46, male) s/o Thepfungulie Paunuo of Kijümetuma village, Chiephobozou, Kohima; (2); Sonhieii, (60) female, d/o Lhoutsolie of Kijümetuma, Chiephobozou, Kohima; (3) Samir Dutta, (43 yr) male, s/o Onukul Dutta of Uttar Chorilam, Vishalgarh (Tripura); (4) Daju Nepali (60) male, c/o Ranjit Das, Hotel Paradise, Pherima; (5) Sopon Biswas (52yr) male, s/o/ late Ravi Kumar, Nagaon, Assam and (6) Bijoy Karnai (30yr) male, s/o L. Karnai, Pherima, Medziphema.
Of the six deceased, two were travelers from Chiephobozou; one was shopkeeper, a hotel worker, a labourer, and another a resident of Pherima village. Several cars and trucks were also damaged by the landslide.
The heavy downpour Tuesday night also triggered massive landslides as well as road subsidence on the four-lane at Pagla Pahar New Chümoukedima leaving the state capital Kohima cut off for several hours.
The only route from Dimapur to Kohima is through Niuland-Zhadima stretch.
Officials said that landslides were also reported at Tsiepama Model-Piphema and Pagala Pahar area, New Chümoukedima.
This Reporter also found a portion of the four-lane highway completely washed away in Pagala Pahar area, New Chümoukedima. Sources said measures were being taken to clear the road.
Traffic was being monitored in the area, and travelers were not allowed to go beyond the Patkai Gate towards Kohima, barring police personnel, National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited officials, ambulances and media persons for site inspection. However, apart from Piphema, no loss of lives had been reported in other affected areas.
According to DIPR, a total of 15 SDRF personnel were deployed for the rescue operation, besides DDMA Chümoukedima, District Administration, DEF Chümoukedima, Traffic Police Chümoukedima, village council, Churches, youth and VDMA of Pherima Village also took part in the search and rescue operation.
Gov, CM, DyCM express anguish
Nagaland governor La Ganesan, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy CM TR Zeliang have expressed profound anguish and deep sorrow over the tragic landslides, which occurred along the Kohima-Dimapur National Highway on September 3, 2024, and brought about severe devastation that has affected all and also led to tragic loss of lives and injuries.
PRO Raj Bhavan said the governor has extended his heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragic incident.
He mourned the untimely loss of precious lives and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families in their hour of grief.
The governor also expressed deep sympathy and support for all the families whose homes and livelihoods have been adversely impacted by this calamity. While wishing all the injured speedy recovery, the governor said the government was taking all necessary measures to provide relief and assistance to all those affected.
Ganesan also called upon the people of Nagaland to come together in solidarity and offer every possible support at this hour and to assist those in need. He also acknowledged the unwavering efforts of the district administration, police, government departments, local authorities and volunteers who have been working tirelessly in the affected areas.
CM: Meanwhile, Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio in a post on ‘X’, urged the citizens to heed to official advisories.
Rio said he was deeply concerned by large scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. He said the authorities were on-site assessing the situation and helping those affected.
He also assured that the state government would continue to pursue with Government of India and NHIDCL for immediate measures and restore normalcy at the earliest.
“The Govt. is providing emergency services and ex-gratia. I extend my deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” Rio stated.
DyCM: Deputy chief minister T.R. Zeliang, who is incharge of National Highways, expressed he is deeply grieved by the tragic loss of six lives following mudslide along National Highway 29 at Pherima.
Zeliang conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and also the communities affected by the devastating mudslide.
He urged the public to adhere to safety advisories, particularly as the state continues to face severe mudslide problems due to incessant rains.
Zeliang assured the public that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens and preventing future tragedies. He also mentioned that all concerned agencies are actively working around the clock to restore the damaged highway and mitigate further risks.
NPF legislator Küzholuzo (Azo) Nienü stressed that none should play blame game, pointing out that the tragedy was caused by nature and no one could have stopped it. He also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and shared his grief for the lives lost in the incident.
On the other hand, the landslide has led to widespread concern among residents, particularly in Kohima where reports of obstruction on NH-29 have triggered panic buying of fuel and other essential supplies.
This despite the fact that the traffic police sources have confirmed that 750 trucks loaded with essential commodities were allowed to proceed to Kohima and beyond.