Normal life has come to a grinding halt in Northeast India due to extremely heavy rainfall under the impact of Cyclone Remal.
The Cyclone wreaked havoc in parts of the Northeast today, killing at least 23 people in Mizoram, three persons in Assam and one in Meghalaya. The rains, accompanied by gusty winds, uprooted trees, electric poles, triggered landslides and disrupted power and internet services.
In Mizoram, at least 23 people were killed in a massive landslide triggered by incessant rain after when a stone quarry collapsed at a place between Melthum and Hlimen on the outskirts of the state capital Aizawl. Nine persons were reportedly missing after the incident. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced an ex-gratia of four lakh rupees each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives.
The state capital Aizawl has been cut off from the rest of the country due to landslide on the National Highway-6 at Hunthar area in the western outskirts of Aizawl. Besides, several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides. The situation is being closely being monitored by State authorities and extent of the damage caused by heavy rain is being ascertained.
Meanwhile, all schools and government offices in the state remained closed on Tuesday due to incessant rains and gusty winds.
President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar have expressed grief at the loss of lives in Mizorm.
In Assam, three persons were killed while 17 others were injured. The deaths occurred in Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro) and Morigaon districts. According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority, ASDMA, the branch of a tree fell on a school bus in Dhekiajuli of Sonitpur district, injuring 12 students. Five others were injured in different incidents in Morigaon. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed grief over the loss of lives. He directed the Chief Secretary to ensure all necessary assistance is provided to the affected families and timely treatment for the injured .The ASDMA said a storm occurred in 14 districts such as Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhubri, Hojai, Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Morigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur, South-Salmara and West Karbi Anglong.
In Meghalaya, a wall collapsed in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya, killing one person. Four others were injured in a landslide in the district. The injured were shifted to a hospital.
Disclaimer: This press release is sourced from News On AIR, Prasar Bharti and Press Information Bureau India (PIB).