Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: A major landslide tore through Zunheboto on Wednesday morning. It crippled National Highway 702A at New Colony and leveled three houses. Authorities had ordered an evacuation of the homes before the collapse, preventing any deaths or injuries. One nearby structure now shows deep cracks, fueling fears of more ground movement.
The Indian Red Cross Society Zunheboto District Branch surveyed the damage on August 19. Team leaders included Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj and Honorary Secretary Akukau Kashito Yeptho. Representatives from the District Disaster Management Authority, Zunheboto Town Council, Dobashis, Town GBs, and the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited joined the site visit.
Dharam Raj handed out relief packages to those who lost property. He met with families to promise further government support. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the district administration would extend necessary assistance and support.
Crews are currently working to clear debris from the highway. Relief money and supplies reached Lashili Kiho, Zhekugha of North Point Colony, Atovi of Alahuto Colony, Phutovi of North Point Colony, Anato, Ghukheto, Kiyelho, and Kashito Jimo. Local officials continue to monitor the slope for signs of instability.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 1:46am
The district administration has officially shuttered the New Colony stretch of NH-702A until further notice. With the road washed away and currently inaccessible, officials have diverted all heavy vehicle traffic between Zunheboto and Mokokchung to the Old Mokokchung Road-Check Post Road.
While cleanup efforts remain ongoing, authorities have issued a formal alert for residents living near the slope. Officials have ordered those in vulnerable spots to stay vigilant and watch for further shifting earth or structural failures as they finish their full damage assessment of the road and nearby properties.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 6:00am
The District Disaster Management Authority pinned the blame for the slide on incessant rainfall. The travel advisory now covers all traffic, including light vehicles and commercial trucks, rather than just heavy vehicles. Authorities warned commuters to follow all posted signs and instructions from crews stationed at the scene as the road remains shut for public safety.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 10:00am
The District Disaster Management Authority pinned the blame for the slide on weeks of relentless, heavy rain. This weather-induced damage has forced officials to tighten restrictions, with the travel advisory now covering all traffic, including light vehicles and commercial trucks, rather than just heavy machinery. The road remains locked down to the public until further notice as crews wait for the ground to stabilize.
Commuters must follow official traffic signage and obey ground crews working the perimeter. The administration continues to warn that the area remains volatile and prone to further movement, demanding total compliance from anyone moving through the vicinity.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 5:49pm
Beyond the highway collapse, Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj has doubled down on the district wide ban regarding single use plastics. The administration confirms that the standing prohibition against plastic carry bags, regardless of thickness, remains strictly in effect. This also covers plastic bottles used for water and soft drinks sized under one litre, reinforcing an order originally established in August 2024.
Updated at 20th August 2026 at 10:07pm
Lok Sabha MP P S Supongmeren Jamir toured the New Colony site on August 20 alongside Deputy Commissioner Dharam Raj and Superintendent of Police Dr. Kupe Kapfo to inspect the ground movement. Jamir pressed an NHIDCL representative by phone regarding the highway's failure and the ongoing risks to local families. The visiting team pushed for the immediate installation of sturdy barricades to seal off the perimeter.
A technical team from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited is expected to arrive at the site soon for a formal assessment of the slide and the state of the remaining road infrastructure.
Updated at 21st August 2026 at 9:47am
While on site for the landslide inspection, MP S Supongmeren Jamir also chaired a District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting at the DC office. Local MLA Dr. Sukhato A Sema flagged the stalled construction of the Food Corporation of India godown in Zunheboto. Despite a Rs 20 crore sanction from the central government and the purchase of land for Rs 60 lakh, the facility remains non-functional. Sema noted that the building appears complete except for final touches and urged the administration to force the project across the finish line to secure essential commodities for the district.
Jamir used the session to call out departmental heads for failing to stay at their assigned posts. He warned officials that their lack of presence in the district guts the effectiveness of administrative meetings and development efforts. He demanded that officers stop treating their roles as desk jobs and start using their authority to advocate for local needs. The meeting also featured updates from the Labour, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry departments regarding current state programs.
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