Landslide cuts off border villages in Kiphire

Continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days has triggered a major landslide in the border areas of Kiphire district, completely cutting off road connectivity to several remote villages.
In a statement, International Border Area Peoples Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO) chief functionary N Apong said that the affected route, which serves as the only lifeline connecting Mimi village with Khongka, Betang, Mutingkhong, Lofukhong, Hakumuti, and Khaha, has been rendered impassable due to landslides and overflowing streams.
With the road severely damaged, residents are now risking their lives by crossing fast-flowing waters using makeshift bamboo bridges. He said that the disruption has caused immense hardship, leaving villagers without access to essential services such as healthcare, markets, and emergency support. Vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the elderly, are reported to be the worst affected.
In this regard, IBAPWO appealed to the government for immediate on-ground assessment and restoration of the damaged road. He also called for the provision of relief materials and the formulation of long-term infrastructure solutions to mitigate such recurring vulnerabilities.