A major disaster struck the heart of Kumarghat city of Unakoti District early Thursday morning when a section of the main road from Deohat to Old Shivthali suddenly collapsed into the Deo River around 7 am, completely disrupting the transportation system in the area.

Locals allege that the first cracks appeared on the road in 2023 due to rising water levels in the Deo River. 

Since then, residents have repeatedly demanded its repair, but authorities failed to take permanent measures. While some repair work was carried out last year, it was reportedly of poor quality, leading to the road’s collapse in just one year.

The collapse has severely affected over 600 people from around 200 families. School-going children, working residents, and daily commuters are now forced to use alternative routes. Locals also warn that emergency situations, particularly for sick patients, have become extremely difficult due to the road closure.

Although the Deo River is managed by the Flood Control Department, the responsibility of maintaining the road lies with the Kumarghat PWD Department. Officials visited the site after the incident and assured swift repairs, but no concrete action has been taken so far.

Residents are now demanding permanent repairs, including the construction of an alternative road, warning that another major disaster could occur during the next monsoon season if immediate action is not taken.