As Northeast India continues to bear the brunt of the remnants of Cyclone Remal, Mizoram was particularly hit worse than the other states as it claimed at least 15 lives.
Incessant rain led to the collapse of a stone quarry in the outskirt of Aizawl in an area between Melthum and Hlimen village in the early hours on Tuesday. The rock and mud slide buried houses down the hill and the inhabitants. At least 15 are feared dead as search operation are ongoing.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, in a statement, said that wind and rain has caused damages in various places in the State and many people have lost their lives, their homes and are undergoing hardships due to the weather conditions. He urged the District Disaster Management Authorities to take action as soon as possible and appealed the public to stay at home or in safe places and be vigilant in their own areas to avoid further damage.
Earlier, the Chief Minister had announced ex-gratia of Rs 15 crore to the victims of landslide due to Cyclone Remal in Mizoram. Rs 4 lakhs each will be given to the kin of those who died in the landslide.
Landslides have been reported from other areas in Aizawl. According to EastMojo, graveyards in the localities of Kanan, Kulikawn, Republic, and ITI have been impacted. Volunteers, including the Young Mizo Association were working to retrieve the coffins. Today, CM Lalduhoma visited Kanan cemetery and donated Rs 50,000 to the volunteers.
Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma visited two disaster sites in Aizawl city, which were severely affected by the heavy rainfall from Cyclone Remal. Home Minister Pu K. Sapdanga, who is also a Minister for DM & R, along with several Ministers, MLAs and officials. pic.twitter.com/b971D1FdhB
— CM Office Mizoram (@CMOMizoram) May 28, 2024
Aizawl has also been cut off from the rest of the country due to landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar. DD News Mizoram has said that this disruption in connectivity was hindering transportation of aid and vital supplies.
DD News Mizoram also informed that the impact of the cyclone has been particularly devastating in rural areas, where homes have been destroyed, crops have been ruined, and access to essential services has been severely hampered.
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu expressed sadness over the incident and offered condolences to the families of the people who lost their lives in the landslide. She also prayed for the success of rescue and relief operations and wished a speedy recovery of the injured.
Saddened to learn about the loss of lives in a stone quarry collapse near Aizawl in Mizoram. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the success of rescue and relief operations and wish a speedy recovery of the injured.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 28, 2024