Meghalaya: Sonapur Landslide Disrupts Traffic on NH 06

SHILLONG: Since the night of June 14, National Highway 06 has faced severe disruptions due to a landslide in the Sonapur area of the East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya, accompanied by heavy rainfall. This region is known for its susceptibility to landslides, particularly around the Sonapur Tunnel, just after the Lukha River. The landslide caused significant inconvenience for commuters traveling to and from Barak Valley, Silchar, Mizoram, Tripura, and Manipur.

Earlier on the same day, a mudslide occurred in the region, temporarily halting traffic flow through the tunnel. Authorities managed to clear the debris and restore movement on the road by approximately 2 pm. However, the relief was short-lived as another landslide occurred later in the evening, worsening the situation and rendering the highway impassable once again.

The National roadway Authority of India (NHAI) has started making steps to remove the debris and get the roadway back to working order. Along National Highway 06, the police and the district administration are working very closely to help stalled trucks and other impacted people. The police teams from Lumshnong Police Station and Umkiang Patrol Post have been actively involved in providing food and water bottles to the truck drivers in order to show appreciation for their patience during this trying situation.

In 2022, Meghalaya also experienced torrential downpours, leading to multiple landslides in the Sonapur Tunnel area of the East Jaintia Hills district. After the tunnel was cleared, another significant landslip occurred. The district administration has advised commuters to avoid using this route for unnecessary trips, prioritizing vehicles carrying essential supplies to Barak Valley and neighboring provinces.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released the first-stage rainfall projections for the 2023 southwest monsoon season (June to September). The forecast suggests average rainfall nationwide, with normal rainfall expected in the northeast, central, and southern peninsular regions, but below-average rainfall in the northwest region.

Last year, Meghalaya witnessed several landslides caused by continuous rainfall in the East Jaintia Hills, West Jaintia Hills, and East Khasi Hills areas. According to a report, 27 people lost their lives in Meghalaya due to floods and landslides. Conrad K. Sangma, the state's chief minister, visited Dagar and Kenmynsaw in the East Khasi Hills' Mawsynram Block to meet the families of the victims affected by the landslides.

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