Kohima: Longleng officials are pushing for an L3 disaster designation following widespread destruction from recent storms. Natural calamities have severed road networks, ruined farmlands, and left forests and houses in shambles. Several villages, including three or four in the Yongyah circle, are totally unreachable. The Marangkong-Tamlu area remains cut off.
Deputy Commissioner W Manpai Phom chaired an emergency meeting at the Longleng DPDB hall on August 4. He addressed officials from the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, line departments, and civil society groups. The damage is unprecedented. “Based on ground assessments, the damage goes far beyond roadways. It is a massive disaster affecting forests, farmlands, fields and houses,” the DC remarked.
The Phom People Council submitted a formal complaint citing poor construction and ecological destruction on the Longleng-Changtongya and Merangkong-Tamlu highway stretches. They demanded immediate site inspections, bridge repairs, and better oversight of contractors. NHIDCL Executive Director RP Singh said crews are working to clear slides and install Bailey bridges. Major permanent repairs are delayed until September due to the weather.
Meanwhile, the Tuli administration has barred all heavy vehicles from the Watiyongpang-Changtongya road. This ban follows severe damage from flooding and landslides on July 19. The restriction remains active until further notice. Officials cite safety recommendations from the Public Works Department for this move. The focus now is simply maintaining access for emergency traffic.
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