Landslide Snarls Nagaland Highway as Heavy Rain Forecasts Continue

Kohima: A massive landslide buried National Highway 29 near the Old Kohima Municipal Council dumping site, trapping trucks and cars in a sea of mud. The debris stalled traffic on the vital corridor between Kohima and Dimapur. No government crews showed up to help. Stranded drivers grabbed shovels and cleared a narrow path themselves. Conditions remain dangerous.

The India Meteorological Department expects more trouble. They forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura through August 10. Thunderstorms and lightning will strike between August 5 and 8. The Meteorological Centre in Kohima specifically expects 7 to 11 centimeters of rain in Mon, Longleng, Peren, and Wokha on August 5 alone.

The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority predicts widespread thunderstorms through August 9. August 7 brings heightened intensity, while August 8 likely marks the peak of the storm cycle. On that day, "Zunheboto may witness localized thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall at scattered locations." Other districts face a mix of rain and lightning as the state braces for a wet week.

Forecasters expect the weather to taper off by August 9. Yet, Wokha and Peren will likely see lingering rain. The NSDMA noted that "No active weather warnings are expected over Kiphire and Meluri" for August 6, even as the rest of the state deals with scattered rainfall. Officials warn that the persistent deluge increases the risk of further slope failures along already fragile highway stretches.