Mother rescued; daughter yet to be traced
Morung Express News
Kohima | July 29
A 14 year-old-girl went missing on Sunday evening after she slipped and fell in a waterfall, thereby swept off by powerful currents of the Dzücharü River at Phesama village in Kohima district. Her mother was also swept off but was later rescued.
The girl, along with her mother and aunt, were gathering pig feed above the Dzücharü Dzüvo (Waterfall) near the Phesama Hydroger when the accident happened, informed people of Phesama village.
Due to the heavy rainfall, the water current pulled both mother and daughter in. As both of them fell into the water, the aunt managed to hold on to a rock. The aunt then rushed to inform the people of the village.
The Phesama village youth along with police personnel and the Nagaland State Disaster Response Force Team went on a search and rescue operation. They rescued the mother from a cliff who was found alive with multiple injuries and was taken to Bethel Hospital, stated an official source.
The teenager could not be traced due to low visibility by evening and the strong water current in the river due to the heavy rains, informed Mhasileto Kar, Merama Youth President. The missing teenager is said to be a student of St. Paul School Phesama. Kar, however, added that the village youth will patrol the river banks through the night in order to locate the girl. The waterfall is said to be over 50 ft high.
The victims are from Yimchungrü tribe residing in Phesama village, stated official sources.
“During the operation, the SDRF team broke into two teams and went upstream from two sides. Inclement weather hampered the rescue operation tonight but will resume early Monday for the daughter,” stated a press release issued by Nagaland State Home Department’s Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).
Phesama road opened for commuters
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 29
A part of the highway that witnessed massive landslide, which occurred at Phesama village affecting NH-29 on Saturday evening, was opened for commuters on Sunday morning.
The mudslide is still flowing, and if the rain continues, the whole slope of mountain in the affected areas may come down and there is a high chance of blocking the bridge waterway.
In a telephonic conversation, Kohima Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Soundarajan, informed that the administration, along with other stakeholders, is monitoring the situation and keeping a watch. He also informed that machines will be kept on standby near the spot for a couple of days to clear the debris.
On Saturday evening, hundreds of vehicles carrying essential goods and night buses were seen stranded. However, light vehicles were diverted from Phesama via Pfüchama to Lerie junction, Kohima. The highway is a lifeline to several villages in the southern Angami region and neighboring Manipur state.
