Landslides wreak havoc in Nagaland

Kohima, Sep 7: Severe landslides, triggered by continuous medium to heavy rainfall in Nagaland for the past fortnight, have wreaked havoc in the state, with the capital town being one of the worst affected.

Official sources said landslides on the NH 39 continued in many places. The personnel of the Border Road Task Force (BRTF) were working round-the-clock to maintain the flow of traffic.

Many heavy vehicles bound for Manipur, were not allowed to pass the landslide prone areas and diverted to Jotsome by-pass roads. The NH 39 was worst hit last evening when a huge chunk of the highway collapsed leaving only a portion in the Midland area of Kohima town.

A petrol pump on the roadside of NH 39 was also on the verge of collapse. Landslides were also reported in many parts of the state capital, especially New Market, Midland, A G Colony and Hospital Colony, triggering panic among the people. A huge portion of New Market area was gradually sinking, threatening many houses in the area. Some families have already been evacuated to safer places.

The road condition throughout the state was in ruins. Nagaland Governor K Sankaranarayanan expressed concern over the ill-maintenance of roads.

UNI