IMPHAL: In the wake of heavy rains, isolated regions in Manipur experienced intense rainfall on Tuesday night, resulting in significant landslides that obstructed multiple sections of the vital Imphal-Silchar highway. This obstruction consequently disrupted the movement of vehicles along this crucial route. The adverse weather conditions led to a series of landslides, with one particularly massive landslide measuring around 100 feet causing extensive blockages between Irang bridge and Awangkhul village part II. This occurred under the jurisdiction of the Nungba Police Station within the Imphal-Silchar sector, specifically in the Noneh district.
Regrettably, among the impacted vehicles were a backhoe loader and a truck transporting machinery designated for repair work on NH-37. These vehicles were engulfed by the powerful force of the landslides, amplifying the scale of the incident. Despite the intensity of the landslides and the subsequent blockades, there have been no reported casualties so far, providing a silver lining to the otherwise concerning situation.
Further reports indicate that landslides also occurred near Rangkhui village along the NH-37 route, which serves as a vital lifeline for the region, being second only to National Highway-2 (Imphal-Dimapur highway). The promptness of response to such incidents is crucial to ensure the safety and accessibility of these transportation arteries, which play a significant role in connecting regions and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
Efforts to alleviate the disruption caused by the landslides are currently underway, with diligent clearance operations actively in progress. A senior police official, overseeing the situation, affirmed that normal traffic will be permitted to resume as soon as the thorough clearance work is successfully completed. The urgency of reopening the highway is underscored by the plight of approximately 400 trucks laden with goods that have been left stranded on either side of the highway due to the landslide-induced obstruction.
The incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of infrastructure in the face of extreme weather events. The collaboration between authorities, rescue teams, and local communities is pivotal in restoring the normalcy of daily life, reestablishing connectivity, and ensuring the safety of all those affected. As the region works tirelessly to address the aftermath of these landslides, the collective resilience stands as a testament to the unity and determination of the community.
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