Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 27 2010:
The state was cut off from the rest of the country as landslides triggered by torrential rains blocked both NH-39 and 53.The disturbances on the highways are amidst the extended 25-day economic blockade imposed by UNC which entered the third day today.
The landslide blocking NH-39 occurred at Ekai village, two kilometer away from Tadubi at about 4.30 pm today while the traffic on NH-53 was blocked by a heavy landslide at Kambirong only 10 metres away from Nungba police station, official reports said.
The report said that due to the landslide at Ekai village, highway traffic has been totally blocked.
A portion of around 10 metres of the hill face has slid due to torrential rains in the last few days, it added.
The road has been totally blocked by rocks and mud forcing freight trucks and other vehicles stranded on both sides of the landslide area.
However, the report added most of the loaded trucks coming from Mao had already crossed the area.
Over 195 freight trucks and 17 DI Tata trucks had entered the state via NH-39 today with security escorts provided by the CRPF and state police from Mao gate.
Out of the loaded trucks, are 48 oil tankers, five bullet tankers (LPG bulk carriers).
The rest 125 were carrying grocery items, a police report said.
Another 115 empty trucks including 10 oil tankers had also crossed Mao gate toward Dimapur today, the report added.
Meanwhile, the clearing of mud on the highway at KMC dumping ground, two kilometers away from Kohima was under progress under BRTF supervision.
Mention may be made that the major landslide there which affected 215 metre portion of the highway occurred on the night of August 24 and 25 .
NH-53 was blocked by rocks and mud sliding down a 200 meter hill face on the highway.
Due to the landslide all kinds of vehicular traffic has come to a halt.
Around 192 freight trucks coming toward Imphal were stranded at Nungba.
Some empty trucks heading toward Jiribam from Imphal side were also stranded there, the report added.