Disaster Near USTM: Massive Landslide Hits Jorabat, Partially Burying Local Petrol Pump

JORABAT — A massive landslide triggered by heavy, incessant rain struck the busy transit hub of Jorabat near the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) late this afternoon, dumping tons of mud, rocks, and uprooted trees onto the highway and partially burying a local petrol pump.

Emergency response units, including local police and disaster rescue teams, rushed to the scene shortly after the incident occurred. Early reports indicate that the mudslide originated from the adjacent hillside, rapidly cascading down toward the main road and engulfing a significant section of the fueling station's forecourt.

"The sound was like thunder before a wall of earth just came washing down the slope," said an eyewitness standing nearby. "Staff and customers at the petrol pump ran for safety as debris crashed into the service bays and fuel dispensers."

While search and rescue operations are ongoing to ensure no individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble, no immediate fatalities have been confirmed. Several vehicles parked near the station sustained heavy damage, and emergency crews are working cautiously around the fuel infrastructure to mitigate potential hazards, such as fuel leaks or fire risks.

The landslide has brought traffic along the critical arterial corridor to a complete standstill, leaving long queues of vehicles stranded on both sides of the border zone. Commuters, including students and faculty from the nearby USTM campus, experienced severe delays as local authorities detoured vehicles to alternative routes.

Heavy machinery, including earthmovers and excavators, has been deployed to clear the mountain of debris blocking the highway and surrounding premises. However, ongoing rainfall and loose topsoil continue to complicate clearance efforts, raising concerns about potential secondary earth movements.

District authorities have issued a weather advisory urging residents and travelers passing through the hilly terrain to exercise extreme caution and avoid non-essential travel until the slope is stabilized and the road is fully cleared for transit. An official inquiry into the structural stability of the affected hillside is expected to follow once immediate recovery operations conclude.