Life is slowly limping back to normalcy in landslide-hit Kiphire district of Nagaland after being cut-off due to rainfall-triggered landslides blocking the highway for several days.
However, the district is battling with shortage of essential commodities.
Also read: Nagaland’s Kiphire district faces acute shortage of food, fuel
Meanwhile, a few rice-laden trucks arrived in Kiphire on Friday through the initiative of the district administration.
However, shortage of essential commodities, particularly rice, is still being felt due to weight restrictions imposed on goods-laden trucks.
According to sources, trucks were only allowed to carry nine to ten tons into Kiphire by the authorities as opposed to the 18 tons carried under normal conditions.
To add to the woes, the truckers continue to charge normal hire rate of Rs 60,000 regardless of the quantity of goods they carry.
The district administration of Kiphire are in touch with their counterparts in Kohima and Dimapur to allow Kiphire-bound trucks to carry at least 14 to 15 tons to further ease the burden on the market.
Meanwhile, the concerned department was also reportedly doing its best to restore the damaged roads at the earliest.
The district administration has also requested the public not to panic since the authorities were making all necessary arrangements and taking measures to resolve the issue.
On the other hand, Kiphire Area Students’ Union (KASU) has appealed to the government and the citizens to come together and extend humanitarian aid to the public of Kiphire.
In a press release, KASU president, Isaac Tsalumbi, said that on August 24 last, three truck-loads of rice reached Kiphire from Aghunato and each household was issued 10 kg of rice.
It has acknowledged the PDA government and district administration of Kiphire, Meluri, Phek and Kohima for extending their cooperation and support.