Cyclone Remal's fury has unleashed devastation across India's northeastern states, leaving a trail of destruction and a rising death toll.
As per the latest reports, at least 37 lives have been tragically lost in the relentless rain and thunderstorms unleashed by the cyclone.
Mizoram stands as the epicentre of the disaster, bearing the brunt of Remal's destructive power.
Mizoram has been ravaged by the cyclone, with Aizawl, the capital city, emerging as ground zero.
A state government release issued on Tuesday confirmed Remal's deadly wrath, claiming the lives of 27 people in the city's Melthum, Hlimen, Falkawn, and Salem Veng areas.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with the grim possibility of the death toll escalating.
Relief teams have recovered 27 bodies so far.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has announced a financial relief package.
"₹15 crore will be allocated from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to aid recovery efforts," CM Lalduhoma said.
Additionally, an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased.
While Mizoram grapples with the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, neighbouring states are also battling its repercussions.
Assam has reported four fatalities and 18 injuries due to heavy rain and strong winds.
A harrowing incident unfolded in Sonitpur district, where a fallen tree struck a school bus, injuring 12 children. The injuries, however, are not life-threatening, and they are receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Nagaland has not been spared either. The state authorities confirmed four deaths and over 40 damaged houses due to the cyclone's heavy rain and strong winds.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the first time has deployed an underwater drone to assist search operations in the worst-hit areas, where devastating wind speeds caused multiple houses and trees to collapse, hindering rescue efforts.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya has recorded two fatalities and over 500 injuries in the wake of Cyclone Remal's heavy rain.
One death occurred in East Jaintia Hills, while another resulted from a car accident in the East Khasi Hills district.
No casualties have been reported from Tripura. However, the state government confirmed that heavy rains triggered by the cyclone displaced 2,505 people from 579 families.
These individuals have sought refuge in relief camps established across the state, as flood-like situations have damaged 573 houses.
The cyclone made landfall near midnight on Sunday in Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal, bringing with it wind speeds exceeding 135 kmph along the coast.
Power disruptions were widespread in both regions, leaving lakhs without electricity on Monday.
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