Imphal, Aug 18: A series of devastating landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in the past few days have left more than 500 trucks stranded in Manipur. These landslides have severely impacted the crucial Imphal-Jiribam section of National Highway 37 (NH-37), disrupting the flow of essential commodities into the state.
The landslides, caused by relentless downpours that began on August 15, have underscored the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure and connectivity during monsoon season.
The consequences of these landslides have been particularly dire for the region, which is already grappling with its share of challenges, including ongoing unrest and conflicts. The landslides have led to the isolation of the Imphal-Jiribam section, a lifeline for essential supplies, and created a dire situation for the state.
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Many vehicles, including a substantial number of loaded trucks bound for Imphal, found themselves stranded on the Jiribam side of the landslide-affected areas. Additionally, over 500 loaded trucks destined for Imphal were marooned at various points in Jiribam town and other parts along the highway. This gridlock of transportation has compounded the challenges already faced by the region, and the local authorities are grappling to manage the situation effectively.
The timing of these landslides could not have been worse. Since May 3, the region has been embroiled in violent conflicts, coupled with a blockade along National Highway 2 (NH-2), the Imphal-Dimapur highway. Given the blockade’s impact on NH-2, NH-37 had emerged as the primary route to transport essential goods into Manipur, making its accessibility all the more critical.
Reports indicate that these landslides have occurred at around 12 different locations along the stretch of NH-37 between Awangkhul and Khongsang in the Noney district. One particular landslide near Wakhul village is especially concerning, as it spans nearly 100 meters and involves a significant mudslide accompanied by falling rocks and trees.
Efforts to address this crisis have been initiated by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), which has mobilized heavy machinery to clear the debris and restore passage along the affected route. Restoration work is currently underway, and authorities are making concerted efforts to reopen the highway.
In the midst of this challenging situation, the administration of Noney district, along with district police officials, have assessed the situation on the ground and are working to establish relief measures for those stranded in the vicinity of the landslide-affected areas. The primary focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those impacted by this unfortunate event.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the region’s susceptibility to natural disasters, especially during the monsoon season. It highlights the need for a robust infrastructure, efficient disaster management strategies, and an increased emphasis on proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such incidents.
As the local authorities and concerned agencies work tirelessly to restore normalcy, the incident also underscores the importance of connectivity and infrastructure resilience in the region. The landslides have revealed the interdependency of various factors, including political stability, infrastructure development, and disaster preparedness, in ensuring the well-being of the people and the flow of essential supplies in this strife-torn region.
