Intense storms with damaging winds and heavy rain, triggered by Cyclone Remal since Monday evening, have resulted in the deaths of 27 people in various parts of Mizoram, including Melthum, Hlimen, Falkawn, and Salem Veng within the state capital, Aizawl, officials reported on Tuesday.
The Directorate of Information, Public Relations (DIPR), Mizoram, stated, “27 bodies have been found so far as search and rescue operations continue, with the State Disaster Response Force working alongside the Melthum Local Council and YMA.”
Many victims were killed by landslides. “The death toll may rise further as rescue efforts continue,” an official said.
According to PTI, Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced a ₹15 crore allocation to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and extended ₹4 lakh as ex-gratia to the families of the deceased.
The CM, along with DM&R Minister K Sapdanga, will provide ₹2 lakh to the families of those who died in Hlimen, with the remainder to be distributed later, following SDRF guidelines. Both officials, accompanied by government representatives, were present in Melthum to assess the situation firsthand.
The Power and Electricity (P&E) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments have issued notices stating that electricity and water supply will be disrupted until further notice due to damage to electric lines and water pumps from landslides and floods.
Reports from Mizoram DIPR indicate that the cyclone has resulted in 14 fatalities in Melthum, four in Hlimen, three in Salem, two each in Falkawn and Aibawk, and one each in Lungsei and Kelsih areas within Aizawl district, according to ANI.
Cyclone Remal crossed Bangladesh on the night of May 26, causing a deep depression. On Tuesday, it moved through Meghalaya’s Shillong and Jowai regions and is gradually weakening.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha is working to ensure that people receive all necessary assistance from the administration.
The India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) regional center in Guwahati has predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall across Mizoram on Wednesday.
Additionally, isolated areas in the hill state may experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph. In response to the weather advisory, the Mizoram government has ordered the closure of all offices and public sector units on Wednesday, except for those involved in disaster management and essential services.
Meanwhile, the Aizawl Deputy Commissioner reported that over 50 families were relocated to safer areas as the overflowing Tlawng river inundated their homes in Sairang village, about 21 km from Aizawl.
Furthermore, in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, around 150 houses have been demolished, numerous trees and electric poles uprooted, several roads blocked, and over 50 residential units submerged across Mizoram, leaving a trail of destruction.
