Commuters cautiously cross a makeshift bamboo bridge over a swollen river on May 31, after a vital bridge connecting Mimi and surrounding villages in Kiphire district was washed away. (Photo Courtesy: IBAPWO)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 1
Facing the collapse vital road connectivity due to continuous heavy rainfall and landslides, villagers in Mimi and surrounding areas under Kiphire district have been forced to resort to a makeshift bamboo bridge to cross a swelling river.
The crisis began about five days ago when a cemented bridge, regularly used by two-wheelers and forming a vital link between Mimi and Pungro, was washed away after incessant rains.
The bridge served as a crucial shorter route during rainy season and in dry seasons when the river’s water level would subside, even regular vehicles use it, informed N Apong, Chief Functionary of the International Border Area Peoples Welfare Organisation (IBAPWO).
The collapse has cut off access to several villages including Mimi, Khongka, Betang, Mutingkhong, Lofukhong, Hakumuti, and Khaha, placing hundreds of residents in a precarious situation, he added.
With no viable option left, villagers constructed a bamboo bridge over the river on May 31, indicated visuals and geo-tagged photos shared by IBAPWO.
The structure was highly unsafe, especially amid continued rainfall and turbulent water flow, but many people were seen using it to carry essentials and children.
Speaking to The Morung Express, Apong estimated that the only alternative route from Pungro to Mimi now stretches over 145 kilometres. A search on Google Maps places the distance at over 160 km.
However, even alternative route has remained blocked for the past two days due to landslides, he added.
Though it was reported that the Public Works Department had sent excavators to clear the landslide-hit areas, there has been no official update so far, Apong further stated.
The now-damaged route had significantly reduced travel distance to around 85 km and was frequently used by commuters on motorbikes.
The sudden disruption has caused immense hardship for villagers, cutting off access to essential services including healthcare, markets, and emergency aid, the IBAPWO stated in a press release.
Vulnerable groups such as children, women, and the elderly are especially impacted, it said.
This disruption has not only caused immense hardship to the villagers but has also created a state of panic among them, the Organisation added.
Accordingly, the IBAPWO appealed to the concerned authorities and government departments to urgently assess the ground situation and take swift action for restoration of road connectivity, provision of relief materials, and long-term infrastructure planning to prevent such vulnerabilities in the future.
