Another mudslide near Sonapur tunnel disrupts traffic on Silchar-Guwahati route; Excavation ongoing amidst Heavy Rainfall

In a setback for commuters traveling between Silchar and Guwahati, a mudslide near Sonapur Tunnel has caused significant disruptions in vehicular traffic. Efforts are underway to clear the debris, but the situation remains challenging due to heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions in the Northeast region.

According to the latest update shared by the Meghalaya Police through their official Twitter account, the Sonapur Tunnel area experienced a mudslide, leading to the suspension of traffic between Silchar and Guwahati. The clearing operations have commenced with the deployment of two excavators, working diligently to remove the debris and restore the flow of vehicles.

The authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution while driving on National Highway 06, considering the forecast of heavy rainfall for the upcoming days. The inclement weather poses additional challenges to the ongoing efforts, making it crucial for motorists to remain vigilant and follow all safety precautions.

Adding to the concerns, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning related to the weather conditions in the Northeast region. The forecast highlights the persistence of a trough from North Bihar to Central Chhattisgarh, extending up to 3.1 km above mean sea level. This weather pattern is expected to bring about moisture incursion due to strong low-level southerly/southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal towards Northeast India.

As a result, the IMD anticipates fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms with lightning, and gusty winds over the next five days. The warning specifically mentions a yellow alert for Assam and Meghalaya, in effect from June 17 to June 21. During this period, these regions can expect light to moderate rainfall in most areas, with isolated instances of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds at isolated places are also predicted.

The combined impact of the mudslide near Sonapur Tunnel and the adverse weather conditions in the Northeast region has posed challenges for commuters and authorities alike. It is essential for motorists to stay updated with the latest information from the authorities and exercise caution while traveling in the affected areas. Efforts to clear the debris and restore normalcy are ongoing, but the situation remains unpredictable due to the forecasted heavy rainfall.