A major landslide has struck the Jaginga-Lampu section of National Highway 27 in Assam, forcing the immediate suspension of all traffic between Haflong and Silchar. The incident has raised fresh concerns over monsoon-induced road instability in the hilly Dima Hasao district.
The landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall, also caused continuous slope movement. This has made the affected road stretch unsafe for both passenger and goods vehicles.
DC Alerts Disaster Authority, Urgent Response Sought
Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner on Tuesday raised an urgent alert through a letter to the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA). The letter calls for immediate geological stabilization and technical support to secure the vulnerable stretch of NH-27.
“The situation is critical. We’ve asked ASDMA and the Public Works Department (PWD) to send experts to assess and take immediate action,” the letter stated.
Traffic Suspension Affects Strategic Connectivity
National Highway 27 is the primary road corridor linking Barak Valley with the rest of Assam and the Northeast. The landslide has disrupted movement of essentials, fuel supplies, and public transport to Silchar and beyond.
This development follows a separate disruption in rail services due to a landslide on the Lumding–Badarpur railway route. Together, they have paralyzed major transport channels in the region.
Continuous Rainfall Worsening Slope Stability & Landslide
According to officials on the ground, the landslide occurred late Monday night following three days of continuous rainfall. The affected hill slope remains fragile, posing additional risk to workers and commuters.
Geologists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) are expected to visit the site and offer recommendations on slope reinforcement.
Emergency Services on Alert: Landslide
Local police, disaster response personnel, and PWD teams have been stationed at both ends of the affected road to manage public safety.
Assam Police has urged people to avoid unnecessary travel through the route until further notice. Alternative routes are currently being evaluated, but options remain limited due to similar weather conditions elsewhere in the region.
Residents, Truck Drivers Stranded
More than 300 vehicles, including several carrying perishable goods and petroleum products, were reported stranded on both sides of the blocked section.
“I’ve been stuck here since morning with a full load of vegetables. There’s no food or shelter nearby,” said Ramesh Das, a truck driver from Nagaon.
ASDMA to Deploy Geo Experts
A team of geotechnical engineers from ASDMA and IIT-Guwahati is being sent to the site. They will conduct slope assessment and recommend stabilization measures such as retaining walls and slope drainage.
“We are prioritising NH-27 as it’s a vital artery. Emergency relief materials are also being mobilised,” said an ASDMA spokesperson.
CM Briefed, Cabinet to Review Landslide
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has been briefed about the incident. A special review may be held during the next cabinet meeting to sanction funds for landslide-prone zone mitigation in Dima Hasao.
The NH-27 landslide near Jaginga-Lampu has severely disrupted life in southern Assam. With both road and rail links compromised, quick action from disaster authorities and engineers is critical.
As monsoon challenges continue, the state must prioritise slope stabilization and weather-resilient infrastructure in this ecologically sensitive region.
Check this out: ONGC Well Leak Sivasagar: Evacuations, Concerns Rise
