Massive landslide hits Nagaland highway: 6 dead, many missing; NH-29 remains cut off

A massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall killed at least six persons in Nagaland, damaging houses and a major section of NH-29 in Chumoukedima district.

The landslide that hit Pherima and Pagala Pahar also snapped road communications between Dimapur and Kohima.

Six bodies, including that of a woman, were found in Pherima where scores of houses and vehicles were also damaged in the landslide. Searches were underway to trace several others who went missing.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio convened a meeting on Wednesday and took stock of the disaster situation on NH-29, which resulted in six casualties. In the wake of the devastating landslide, Rio announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each for the families of the deceased persons.

Nagaland govt in a statement said that due to incessant rain in the past few weeks and cloud burst, a massive landslide occurred at Pherima village under Medziphema sub-division, cutting off a portion of NH-29 around 10.30pm Tuesday.

Rio posted on X: “I’m deeply concerned by large scale destruction on NH-29 caused by incessant rainfall. Authorities are on-site assessing the situation & helping those affected. The State Govt will continue to pursue with the GoI @nhidcl for immediate measures & restore normalcy at the earliest.”