Mizoram Rain: At least 10 people died and several others were missing as a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl district on Tuesday morning amid incessant rains, news agency PTI reported, citing police. The incident took place around 6 am in an area between Melthum and Hlimen on the southern outskirts of the Aizawl town, according to police.
The incessant rains in Mizoram came in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, which wreaked havoc across the state. 'Remal' left behind a trail of destruction. It flattened fragile dwellings, uprooted trees, and knocked down electric poles.
Ten bodies have been recovered so far, while several others are still trapped under the debris, Director-General of Police (DGP) Anil Shukla told PTI. "All efforts are underway to rescue the people who are trapped under the debris. However, heavy rains are affecting the operations," he said.
According to another police officer, seven of the deceased are locals, while three are from outside the state. "More than 10 people are believed to be still trapped under the debris," he said, PTI reported. The rains triggered landslides at several other places in the state and at least two persons have died, officials said.
A landslide swept away a building in Aizawl's Salem Veng, following which three persons went missing. A search is underway for them, an official said. The police said that rescue operations began following the incident but are being affected by incessant rains. The rains triggered landslides at several places in the state as well, officials said, as reported by PTI.
Aizawl has been cut off from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar, they stated. Besides, several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides, they said. Meanwhile, all schools in the state were closed due to the rain.
Severe cyclonic storm 'Remal made landfall between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal on the night of May 26, bringing heavy rains that flooded homes and farmland, and left a trail of destruction.
Mizoram CM Announces Ex Gratia For Those Hit By Cyclone Remal
The Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram, said that the state CM Lalduhoma has said that all those affected by Cyclone Remal within the state should be assisted with the relief of Rs 15 crore, and relatives would receive ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakhs.
Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, and other senior officials to take stock of the situation, PTI reported, citing officials.