Aizawl, May 29: The capital of Mizoram, Aizawl, has been severely impacted by a series of catastrophic landslides triggered by over 48 hours of relentless heavy rainfall and gusty winds due to Cyclone Remal. The natural disaster has claimed 23 lives, disrupted normal life, and caused widespread devastation across the state.
Several neighborhoods in Aizawl witnessed destructive landslides that damaged houses and trapped residents inside. In response, the school education department has closed all schools across the state, while only essential government departments, such as Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, Health and Family Welfare, and Public Works, remain operational.
Hardest-Hit Areas:
– Melthum Locality: A massive landslide from an old quarry destroyed three houses, affecting 24 people and resulting in 13 deaths, including four non-locals.
– Hlimen Locality: Six fatalities were reported, comprising two local Mizos and four non-locals.
– Salem Locality: A landslide obliterated a residential house, killing all family members inside—the husband, wife, and daughter.
– Falkawn Locality: One body has been recovered.
Rescue operations are being conducted by the state disaster response team, paramilitary forces, Young Mizo Association members, and local volunteers. Prominent officials, including the Chief Minister, Home Minister, and Central Young Mizo Association representatives, have been actively involved in assessing the situation and coordinating rescue efforts.
Adding to the devastation, landslides in Kanan, Kulikawn, and ITI localities uprooted and washed away several graveyards. The Local Young Mizo Association has initiated community cleanup efforts in these cemeteries.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 15 crore for the landslide victims, with Rs 4 lakh allocated to the families of those who perished in the disaster.
