AIZAWL: At least 14 people were killed and several others remain trapped following the collapse of a stone quarry and a subsequent landslide in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Tuesday.
The disasters were triggered by heavy rains brought on by Cyclone Remal.
In response to these catastrophic events, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga’n Zokhawthar, the Deputy Commissioner, and other state officials to coordinate relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister has declared an ex-gratia payment of Rs 15 crore to the victims affected by the landslide caused by Cyclone Remal in Mizoram. Additionally, Rs 4 lakhs each will be provided to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the situation, despite the incessant rains hampering rescue operations.
Earlier in the day, the Melthum quarry collapse occurred around 6 am at the border of Aizawl’s Melthum and Hlimen, with the fatalities including several workers who were reportedly non-tribals.
Despite the ongoing search operations, many workers remain trapped under the debris.
In a fortunate turn of events, a child was rescued from the site and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In a separate incident, a landslide struck the ITI and Salem localities border, further worsening the devastation caused by Cyclone Remal.
Rescue operations are actively underway to retrieve individuals feared trapped under the rubble.
Cyclone Remal, which made landfall in West Bengal and Bangladesh, has brought inclement weather to Mizoram and the Northeast, triggering widespread landslides and infrastructure damage.
Aizawl has been isolated from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar, and several intra-state highways have also been disrupted.
In light of the severe weather conditions, the secretaries and Heads of Departments have instructed all officers and their staff to work from home and remain available for emergencies.
All schools in the state have been closed as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains critical as authorities continue to respond to the natural calamities brought on by Cyclone Remal.
The government urges residents to stay safe and cooperate with rescue operations as efforts continue to restore normalcy in the state.
