Kohima: A massive landslide wiped out a kilometer of National Highway 702 near Longleng. The July 19 rain event left behind debris piles reaching seven feet high. The road acts as the primary lifeline for the entire district. It is now impassable.
Deputy Commissioner W. Manpai Phom expects repairs to take a long time. The damage includes sinking ground and major washouts. He noted that, "the complete restoration work may be beyond the scope of regular maintenance and may take a very long time."
A task force is currently working around the clock. The group includes the district administration, the DMA Longleng, and the PWD R&B Longleng Division. Local groups like the Phom Peoples' Council, LEMSACHENLOK, and the Yaongyimchen Village Council are also assisting on-site. Officials surveyed the wreckage on July 29.
The Indian Air Force stepped in to help. Choppers are moving students and sick residents. The air crews are also dropping essential supplies into the hardest-hit zones. Commissioner Phom urged the public to stay calm. He asked the primary agency to coordinate with the state for a long-term fix.
The administration credited the state government for its response. This includes the Chief Secretary, the Home Commissioner, and the NSDMA. Local MLAs A. Pongshi Phom and B. Bangtick Phom also visited the damaged sections. Everyone is pushing for a temporary fix to restore mobility.
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