A massive landslide triggered by continuous rainfall over the past three days has completely blocked National Highway-37 in Tamenglong district, leaving more than 200 vehicles stranded and cutting off a crucial transport route between Imphal and Silchar.
The landslide occurred around 7 a.m. on Friday in the Nungdalal area, between K. Sinam and Nungnang villages. The affected stretch, part of the Imphal-Silchar highway via Jiribam, has been rendered impassable by debris spread over approximately 30 metres.
Among the stranded vehicles are several oil and LPG tankers carrying essential supplies from Silchar to Imphal, along with empty transport trucks heading back to Assam. The disruption has raised concerns over delays in fuel and commodity supply to the valley region.
Officials said that the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. (NHIDCL) has deployed excavators and heavy machinery to the site to clear the debris. However, persistent rain and the extent of the blockage continue to slow progress.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a red alert for Tamenglong district on May 29, warning of extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and squally winds for May 30 and 31. The neighbouring Senapati district is also under orange and yellow alerts, with forecasts indicating continued downpours until June 3.
Heavy rains have disrupted normal life in several parts of Manipur. In the capital city Imphal, many areas reported waterlogging on Friday, affecting traffic and daily routines. The rising water levels of major rivers, including the Imphal and Serou rivers, have added to public concern.
According to the IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Imphal, Moreh recorded the highest rainfall in the state on Thursday with 102 mm, followed by Kamjong with 96 mm, Chandel with 76 mm, and Ukhrul with 60.8 mm.
Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and remain cautious, particularly around flood-prone zones, riverbanks, and steep slopes, until weather conditions improve. Emergency response teams are on alert as rainfall continues across the region.