Rockslide in NH 29: Cliff unstable, road closed indefinitely

February 3, 2021 120 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | February 2

The new Chümoukedima segment of NH 29 was shut off to vehicular traffic following Tuesday morning’s rockslide. The Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur issued an order, stating, “In view of heavy rockslides between Chumukedima Police Check Post till New Chumukedima village the road from Chathe River Bridge (Patkai Bridge) to Kukidolong is hereby closed with immediate effect till further order.”

“The total restriction of all movement is necessitated as a precautionary measure to prevent any injury, loss of life and damage to property,” it added.

Commuters were advised to take the 7th Mile – New DC office – Shokhuvi – Razaphe – Mhaikam – Pimla -Mhainamtsi – Jharnapani/Medziphema and vice versa.

While it was not included in the order, it was later informed that the cliff was unstable and more rockslides are likely to occur as cracks were noticed at the same site.

The rockslide occurred around 9:30 am, approximately 1.5km from the Chümoukedima police check post towards Kukidolong.

Boulders, loosened by explosives on a cliff, running some 100m across, dislodged blocking the highway.

Four vehicles got caught in the avalanche comprising huge rock debris, injuring three persons— one woman and two men. The damaged vehicles included a Bolero, Tata pickup, Gypsy and Wagon-R. The woman was in the Bolero and the two men were in the Gypsy that went off the road and was almost crushed by the boulders. All three were admitted to the CIHSR.

The woman, identified as D Tinnihoi Haokip, hailing from Ukhrul district, Manipur, was discharged after administering first aid. The condition of one of the injured men, identified as Abel Poumai (30 years) was reported to be “serious” with internal bleeding. The other, identified as Khuvi La Poumai (20 years), was stated to be stable. Both men hail from Tadubi, Senapati district, Manipur.

It was informed that Emergency Relief Fund of Rs 10,000 and 5000 were handed over to the latter two, respectively.