Another mudslide wreaks havoc in Twilang area
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kangpokpi, March 26 2022:
After the massive mudslide at Lamlenkon near Tujang Vaichong sub-divisional headquarters in Kangpokpi district few months back, a similar mudslide wreaked havoc on Saturday morning following continuous heavy rainfall for 2/3 days in the area.
Lamlenkon near Tujang Vaichong sub-divisional headquarters has become a spot frequented by landslides and mudslides since August last year when the first massive mudslide submerged around 30 hectares of paddy fields and more than 300 metres of the state's oldest highway Imphal-Tamenglong road.
Unfortunately, compensation for the affected paddy fields is yet to be delivered while the farmers are reeling under tremendous hardships.
In between August and the winter season last year, as many as 6/7 landslides and mudslides occurred repeatedly at the Site rendering untold misery to local populace as no measures have been initiated for a permanent solution.
Joint Monitoring Development Committee, KSO Twilang block is the only organisation which is working to find a solution to the frequent occurrence of landslides and mudslides.
Lamlenkon is located around 37 km from Kangpokpi district headquarters.
Early Saturday morning, the locals witnessed a massive mudslide disrupting the busy traffic movement along Imphal-Tamenglong road and inundated vast area of the land including road and paddy field.
Imphal-Tamenglong road is the only connectivity and lifeline of more than 70/80 villages with more than 20,000 population.
Continuous heavy rainfall has affected Kangpokpi district including the Tujang Vaichong area since March 24 evening which is the main factor for yet another massive landslide at Lamlenkon.
The heavy rainfall also raised water level of Irang river and almost swept away a Maruti Gypsy ferrying a medical team which fortunately has been rescued by the locals of Tujang Vaichong and its neighbouring villages.
The mudslide at Lamlenkon also trapped around 3/4 passengers and private vehicles.
However, the locals with the help of excavator (JCB) extricated them safely.
The distress call sent out immediately by KSO Twilang Block president Enock Kipgen was promptly responded by newly sworn-in minister Awangbow Newmai and DC Kangpokpi Kengoo Zuringla.
With the help of the minister and the district administrator, locals supervised by the Joint Monitoring Development Committee of IT Road and KSO Twilang Block could begin to clear the debris which is still in progress.
Speaking to media, KSO Twilang Block president Enock Kipgen informed that Twilang area has been completely cut off once again while many vehicles have been stranded as there cannot be any more vehicle movement along the Imphal-Tamenglong road.
Every time landslide and mudslide occur, it looks as if the area is a deserted place with no sign of any government in place, he said and urged government to find a permanent solution rather than resorting to temporary solution of clearing debris brought down by landslide and mudslide.