Massive landslides and flash flood caused by incessant rain for the past few days have disconnected the National Highway 37, the Imphal-Jiribam road, at Oinamlong in Manipur, leaving several people and vehicles starnded, according to sources.
The landslides occurred near Makru Bridge at Oinamlong in Tamenglong district on Tuesday. Muddy water flooded the area and the news of it went viral as videos of the disaster were circulated in social media platforms by people stranded at the site. Many vehicles were seen stranded along the national highway, as slushes of muddy water rushed along the road owing to the landslides.
A shop belonging to one Gaininglung Gangmei and a house belonging to one Gwangthuanlung located near the river bank were swept away in the flood water near Makru Bridge, according to a ground zero report.
Travelers on the highway often face hardships during every monsoon season as the region receive heavy rainfall during the rainy months.
However, workers of BIPL under NHIDCL are currently working to clear the road and allow uninterrupted passage of vehicles along the important route of the state.
Oinamlong village is located in Tamenglong West Tehsil of Tamenglong district in Manipur, India. It is situated 33.5 km away from sub-district headquarter Tousem and 106 km away from district headquarter Tamenglong. Oinamlong has a total population of 1,512 peoples. There are about 254 houses in Oinamlong village, according to official data.
The National Highway-37 holds importance to the state as it serves as an economic lifeline by road to the people of the region. It connects the state with other neighbouring states such as Nagaland and Assam. The disconnection of the highway will hit the state strongly.
All the returnees to the state by road from Jirabam have been coming through NH-37. Now, more returnees to the state by road after their arrival by train at the Jiribam railway station may be stranded further as the national highway remains cut off for now.
