Six people were killed when a massive mudslide, triggered by heavy rains, struck along National Highway 29 near Pherima village late Tuesday night. The landslide swept away stalls and parked vehicles, cutting off the crucial Kohima-Dimapur route. The disaster, which occurred around 11 p.m., also left four people injured, with authorities still uncertain if more individuals are missing. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden flashflood carrying mud, debris, and boulders that slammed into the roadside stalls and vehicles.
Rescue operations, led by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local volunteers, retrieved the bodies of the six victims. The deceased have been identified as Khriesangulie Paunuo (46), Sonhieii (60), Samir Dutta (43), Daju Nepali (60), Sopon Biswas (52), and Bijoy Karnai (30). The heavy rains also triggered landslides at several other locations, including Pagla Pahar, New Chümoukedima, causing road subsidence and cutting off Kohima for several hours. Authorities are working to clear the debris, but alternative routes, such as the Niuland-Zhadima stretch, have been activated.
Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, and Deputy CM T.R. Zeliang expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and urged the public to heed safety advisories as the state faces continued risks of landslides.
