Haflong: A massive landslide triggered by incessant rainfall disrupted vehicular movement along National Highway 27 in Assam’s Dima Hasao district on Sunday, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and severely affecting connectivity between the Barak Valley and other parts of the state.

The landslide occurred along the Jatinga-Harangajao stretch of the highway after a large section of a hillside collapsed, sending mud, rocks and debris onto the roadway. The affected portion of the highway was completely blocked, bringing traffic movement to a standstill.

Hundreds of passenger vehicles, buses and goods-laden trucks were stranded on both sides of the affected stretch as the blockage led to a long traffic jam. Travellers were forced to wait for several hours amid continuous rainfall and challenging weather conditions.

Officials said the landslide was caused by heavy and sustained rainfall in the region, which has weakened hill slopes and increased the risk of slope failures across several vulnerable locations in the district.

Following the incident, personnel from the district administration and concerned departments rushed to the site and launched road-clearing operations to remove the accumulated debris and restore traffic movement.

However, officials noted that continuous rainfall and unstable hill conditions have hampered restoration efforts, making it difficult for machinery and workers to carry out clearance operations safely and efficiently.

The district administration has advised commuters to avoid non-essential travel along the Jatinga-Harangajao route until the situation improves and normal traffic movement resumes.

Authorities said efforts are underway on a war footing to clear the affected stretch and reopen the highway at the earliest. The administration is also closely monitoring weather conditions and the stability of nearby slopes to prevent further incidents.

National Highway 27 serves as a crucial transportation corridor linking the Barak Valley with the rest of Assam, and any prolonged disruption is likely to impact passenger movement as well as the transportation of essential commodities across the region.