Nagaland: Storm creates havoc in Kohima

Morung Express news 
Kohima | May 28 

The aftermath of the landfall of Cyclonic Storm Remal over coastal Bangladesh triggered significant destruction and disruption in the state capital, Kohima, and its surrounding areas on Tuesday, impacting various aspects of life including infrastructure, agriculture, and human settlements. 

From tin sheets being blown off to the felling of trees, electrical poles, wires, and mudslides cutting off roads, multiple damages were reported from various corners as the storm intensified in the afternoon following its onset around 10 AM. 

Power supply remained cut off since morning, and road links were disrupted.  The power department workers  were seen repairing power lines later in the evening.

Among the many cases, Zarü Bridge along Mitelephe village and Kezo town leading to several villages of Southern Angami and Phek district areas was cut off by a mudslide.

The Kohima Police also informed that a bridge (near E Service Station) on National Highway-2 between Viswema and Jakhama has been critically damaged by the storm. 

Accordingly, movement of all heavy vehicles on the route was temporarily suspended, it said. 

The police further advised all passenger or light motor vehicle operators to avoid the route until further notice.

As per the State DIPR, fallen trees also damaged PHE water pipelines, impacting supply to areas including New Ministers Hill and Porterlane. 

Residents in these colonies can expect disruptions for the next few days, it added.

Meanwhile, a huge tree fell over two cars damaging them and blocking the road near KMC Parking, Kohima Science College Road. 

In Japfü Christian College, authorities shared videos of tin roofs being blown off by the storm along with toppled solar panels.
A pine tree at the State Guest House, Old Minister Hill, Kohima also uprooted and fell over, damaging the boundary wall and rooftop of a neighbouring house.

In New Reserve Colony, an Anganwadi centre in Kohima was blown off to the road by the storm while the tin roof of a garage, along with an attached house, was completely uprooted by the storm in the afternoon, with the roofs blown off into the jungle.

At St Paul's School, Phesama, authorities informed that 5 trees came down near the school during the storm, damaging its office and entrance. 

There were also reports of damages in Raj Bhavan area, Kohima. 

While no casualties have been reported at the time of filing this report, authorities from the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Kohima, informed The Morung Express that a monsoon preparedness meeting was held on Tuesday. 

The authorities informed that some places where damages were reported were visited, and they are in touch with the people, further adding that there would be clearer information on the damages tomorrow.