3 persons killed in Dima Hasao landslide

A CORRESPONDENT

Haflong: Incessant rain and landslides are wreaking havoc in Dima Hasao, with three persons losing their lives so far.

The three persons, including a minor girl, died due to a landslide this morning in Hokai Pungchi, 7 km from Haflong. They have been identified as Pauramsuilungbe Zeme (49), an LP school teacher, his daughter Kanchile Zeme (Class-IV) and Kiseteung Zeme (34). Villagers engaged in the recovery operation have managed to recover one body till the filing of this report.

Heavy rain for the past few days has affected normal life and many parts of Haflong have been flooded with rain water. Roads are also affected due to overflowing rain water. Landslides at several places on the Lanka-Haflong road are causing uncertainty for travelers. Fallen power lines due to heavy rain and landslides are being also reported, adding to the danger.

At Harangajao near Dimbruchera, the National Highway has been totally cut off due to landslides. Many houses in and around Haflong have been also affected due to incessant rain over the last few days. Reports of damages caused by overflowing of rivers like Jatinga, Mahur and Diyung and their tributaries from places like Maibang, Mahur and Harangajao are pouring in.

Rail communication between Lumding and Badarpur has been also disrupted. Local railway officials informed that at many locations landslides affected the railway track. Nothing could be said as to how long it would take for restoration of railway communication, they said. Meanwhile, the Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner has passed an order in the public interest, banning movement of any kind of vehicle on certain sections of NH-27 (earlier known as NH-54E), like the Kapurcherra and Doliadisa sections, until further orders in view of landslides and overflowing of streams and rivulets due to heavy rainfall. The NHAI has been directed to take up temporary restoration works immediately to make the road motorable and put 'road closed ahead' signs along those sections until restoration works are complete.

Dima Hasao Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Debolal Gorlosa stated that the continuous downpour has been causing tremendous inconvenience in both urban and rural parts of Dima Hasao. The Council's EMs, MACs, district administration, DDMA and officers have been working round-the-clock to clear the roads, debris, fallen trees, etc. Gorlosa also requested all the citizens of Dima Hasao not to panic and be alert.

The Dima Hasao District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued an alert notice due to adverse weather conditions in Dima Hasao. People have been requested to remain indoors and avoid loitering outside unless it is unavoidable.

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