Mizoram has been devastated by relentless rains and landslides, claiming at least 23 lives and leaving several others missing in the wake of Cyclone Remal. The Mizoram State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) reported that 13 individuals, including two minors, perished in a stone quarry collapse in Aizawl district, marking one of the deadliest incidents amid the ongoing calamity.
The cyclone’s impact has been profound, severing the state capital from the rest of the country for hours. Landslides on National Highway-6 at Hunthar and NH-54 at Bungbangla compounded the region’s isolation until evening, when road blockages were finally cleared and traffic movement restored.
In the early hours of the day, a catastrophic landslide between Melthum and Hlimen on the outskirts of Aizawl resulted in a stone quarry collapse. The MSDMA indicated that multiple homes and worker camps were engulfed by debris, burying at least 21 individuals. Thirteen bodies have been recovered, but eight people remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about the final death toll. The calamity extends beyond Mizoram, with Assam also experiencing severe consequences. Heavy rain and strong winds led to the deaths of three people and injuries to 17 others. In Meghalaya, downpours resulted in two fatalities and over 500 injuries, underscoring the widespread impact of Cyclone Remal across the northeastern region.
In response to the disaster, the Mizoram government has ordered the closure of all offices and public sector units, excluding those involved in disaster management and essential services. An emergency meeting, led by Chief Minister Lalduhoma and attended by Home Minister K. Sapdanga and Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, was convened to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. The Chief Minister announced a compensation package of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those killed in the stone quarry collapse. Sapdanga handed over cheques of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the eight Mizo victims, with the remaining amount to be disbursed shortly. Verification is underway for the identities of four non-tribal victims to determine their eligibility for financial support.
The incessant rains have prompted the closure of all schools and a directive for government employees, apart from those in essential services, to work from home. More than 50 families were evacuated to safer locations as the Tlawng River overflowed, submerging homes in Sairang village, approximately 21 kilometres from Aizawl. The trail of destruction includes around 150 demolished houses, uprooted trees and electric poles, and numerous blocked roads. The MSDMA continues to manage the crisis, with ongoing efforts to locate the missing and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall for Mizoram, with isolated thunderstorms and gusty winds expected. Residents are urged to remain vigilant as the state continues to grapple with the cyclone’s aftermath.
