Mizoram capital Aizawl is in chaos following 48 hours of heavy rainfall and strong winds brought by Cyclone Remal, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The severe weather has led to landslides and flooding, with numerous fatalities and significant property damage reported.
The relentless downpour and powerful gusts have resulted in multiple landslides across Aizawl, damaging homes and trapping residents. The catastrophic events have prompted the School Education department to close schools Statewide, and all non-essential government departments have suspended operations.
Among the hardest-hit areas is Aizawl’s Melthum locality, where a massive landslide from an old quarry destroyed three houses, affecting 24 people and resulting in 13 confirmed deaths, including four non-locals. In the nearby Hlimen locality, six fatalities have been confirmed, comprising two Mizos and four non-locals. In the Salem locality, a landslide claimed the lives of a family of three, and one casualty was reported in Falkawn.
Rescue operations are underway, led by the State disaster response team, paramilitary forces, Young Mizo Association members, and local volunteers.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma held an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga’n Zokhawthar, the DC and other officials. The CM said the authorities are monitoring the situation and efforts are underway to assess the fatalities and damage caused.
He said, “We have convened a meeting regarding the situation. The whole incident is being monitored. As of now, we have reported 14 deaths.”
Furthermore, the Mizoram CM informed the authorities will open a ward room to aid the situation.
The landslides have also caused extensive damage to community cemeteries in the Kanan, Kulikawn, and ITI localities, uprooting and washing away numerous graveyards. The Young Mizo Association has called for a community cleanup effort to address the devastation at these cemeteries.
In response to the disaster, CM Lalduhoma announced an ex-gratia relief fund of Rs 15 crore for the victims of the landslides caused by Cyclone Remal. Additionally, a compensation of Rs 4 lakhs will be provided to the next of kin of those who lost their lives, offering some support during this difficult time.
