At least 15 people were killed in multiple landslides across Aizawl on Tuesday, including 12 in a stone quarry collapse, as Mizoram grappled with storms caused by Cyclone Remal.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma confirmed that the death toll stood at 15 as of 11:15 am.
Among the deceased, 12 bodies were recovered from a landslide at a stone quarry between Melthum and Hlimen in the souther part of Aizawl district.
Authorities fear more bodies may still be trapped in the debris.
Sources reported that the quarry collapse also destroyed several nearby houses. The cyclone caused another massive landslide, blocking the Lengpui Airport in Mizoram.
Additionally, several community cemeteries collapsed, affecting over 20 graveyards. The intensity of the cyclone caused the Tlawng River to swell dramatically at Sairang locality, impacting homes. Heavy water flow also swept away pigs in the Tlangnuam locality.
Further, two more bodies were recovered from the site of another landslide, and one additional body was found at a third location.
"We have sanctioned Rs 15 crore for relief work, and today, we will extend assistance to the relatives of the deceased. The storm is subsiding now, but communication is poor in many parts of the state, making it difficult to gather information and respond," said Lalduhoma.
The state government has also approved Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia payment for the families of the deceased.
In response to the severe weather, the state government has ordered the closure of all schools, banks, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and government offices, except those providing essential services. Private sector offices are advised to implement a ‘work from home’ policy where possible.
The impact of Cyclone Remal was not confined to Mizoram alone. Other northeastern states, including Assam and Meghalaya, also experienced storms on Tuesday.
Road connectivity between Assam’s Haflong and Silchar was completely disrupted, with a portion of the road washed away by the storm.
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