Senapati, July 21: A major mudslide struck the Kohima–Mao bypass on Saturday afternoon, severely affecting traffic movement along the vital alternative route connecting Nagaland’s capital to the northern parts of the state and Manipur. The incident occurred between 3:00 and 3:30 PM near Kisama/Phesama, just below the Rhododendron Resort, following incessant rainfall.
Several vehicles were damaged in the slide, though there were no immediate reports of casualties. The landslide rendered the affected stretch impassable, forcing authorities to suspend traffic and begin immediate damage assessment and cleanup.
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In response, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, has announced a full-day road closure on Monday, July 21, from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM to enable urgent restoration work on the damaged section.
As per the advisory, medical emergency vehicles and school or college transport will be permitted to use the partially restored National Highway-2. All other light motor vehicles are being redirected through alternative routes via Kigwema–Kezo Town or Chakhabama–Kohima.
Commuters are urged to avoid the affected bypass, follow traffic diversions, and plan their travel accordingly. The district administration has appealed for public cooperation as efforts are underway to restore connectivity at the earliest.