MTNews Desk | 28 May
Cyclone Remal has wrought significant flooding, damage, and fatalities across Northeast India on 28 May, 2024. Making landfall during the night of May 26, 2024, the cyclone impacted the coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh with intense rainfall and powerful winds. Its effects reached Northeast India, where reports of severe flooding and landslides have emerged as the cyclonic storm battered the region.
Tragic landslides claim at least 21 lives in Mizoram
At least 21 people, including two minors, were killed and seven others went missing when a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Tuesday due to heavy rain from Cyclone Remal. It was reported that rescue operations are ongoing, but heavy rain and intense winds are hampering search and rescue efforts.
The collapse occurred between Melthum and Hlimen, with 21 bodies recovered so far and several still trapped under the debris. Among the victims were seven locals and two minors, while two people were rescued alive.
Landslides triggered by the rain killed at least two more people, left others missing, and disrupted transport, cutting off Aizawl from the rest of the country. Multiple landslides were also reported on National Highway 6, the state’s lifeline.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with senior officials, visited the site and announced a Rs 15 crore relief fund and Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased. President Droupadi Murmu and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed their condolences and support for the ongoing rescue efforts.
3 reported dead in Assam
Meanwhile in Assam, Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc across the state on Tuesday, resulting in the tragic loss of three lives and injuring 17 others as heavy rain and gusty winds battered the state. The fatalities were reported from Morigaon, Kamrup, and Kamrup Metro districts, while the majority of the injuries occurred in Sonitpur district.
A 17-year-old student from Morigaon Gurukul Junior College lost his life when a tree fell on the autorickshaw he was traveling in. The accident happened near Dighalbori LP School at approximately 7:30 AM, according to initial reports from the Morigaon revenue circle field officer.
Another severe incident took place in Dhekiajuli, where an uprooted tree struck a school bus from Ursula English School, injuring 12 students. Authorities swiftly responded, rescuing the injured and ensuring they received prompt medical attention.
Officials state that as many as 14 districts – Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhubri, Hojai, Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Karbi-Anglong, Kokrajhar, Morigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur, South-Salmara, West Karbi-Anglong have been affected by the storm.
Landslide injures two minors in Ukhrul, Manipur
Heavy rains and gusty winds triggered a landslide in Ukhrul town’s Viewland Zone-IV area, severely injuring two minors, aged 9 and 17. The landslide overran their house, causing significant injuries, and are reportedly receiving treatment at Ukhrul District Hospital, reported The Dawn Tantak.
In addition, Churachandpur District and Senapati District in Manipur experienced flooding, while the Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) was also impacted by the deluge.
The continuous rainfall since May 27 has caused widespread flooding, multiple landslides, and severe disruptions. Major roads, including Imphal-Ukhrul and Ukhrull-Jessami highways, have been cut off, halting vehicle movement and leaving residents stranded.
Ukhrul MLA Qr Ram Muivah has directed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) to clear affected areas. Efforts are ongoing, with some sections already cleared.
Flooding and clogged drains have further disrupted daily life, with waterlogging in several areas and swollen rivers affecting paddy fields.
Fatalities and destruction grip Nagaland
In a tragic incident, a 73-year-old male was crushed to death by a falling retaining wall in Pfutsero and a 7-year-old boy was drowned at Laruri village in Meluri today, 28 May. Another drowning incident was reported from Doyang dam on 27 May. Despite exhaustive search efforts by teams including NDRF, SDRF, and NSDMA with divers and underwater drones, the bodies of the two youths remain unrecovered. The search will continue tomorrow amid challenging weather conditions, including incessant rain. Echung Konyak, Company Commandant of Home Guards Civil Defence Wokha, highlighted the obstacles posed by the high-water level.
The incident occurred yesterday between noon and 1 PM as the two victims, along with three companions, were headed to work in the dam when their boat capsized due to a sudden strong wind. The three others managed to swim to safety.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) also noted vast damages across the state as a result of Cyclone Remal and the ensuing monsoon season. Besides, it also noted reports of mudslides, and damages to public infrastructure and numerous households.
On May 28, two vehicles were reportedly damaged as a massive tree collapsed along the road leading to Kohima Science College in Jotsoma, Kohima.
Additionally, due to incessant rain, the bridge near E Service Station on NH 2, between Viswema and Jakhama, has been critically damaged. As a result, all heavy vehicle traffic plying on this route will be temporarily suspended. Authorities have advised Passenger/Light Motor Vehicle (LMV) operators to avoid this route until further notice. The information was provided by Relo T. Aye, NPS Addl. Superintendent of Police & PRO Kohima Police. The public is urged to cooperate with this precautionary traffic advisory.
Furthermore, in Zaonger Village, Pungro, Kiphire District, several houses were reportedly damaged due to continuous rain and strong winds. Residents were seen repairing the roofs after the damage.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has urged the public to exercise caution amid persistent rains in the aftermath of the cyclonic storm Remal. It advised the public to avoid going to rivers and lakes to prevent potential drowning and other casualties due to flash floods and landslides induced by cyclonic rainfall.
In an update, NSDMA said the state can expect moderate rainfall with occasional heavy spells in the coming week with moderate to strong wind. All District Disaster Management Authorities and line departments have been asked to be alert to attend to any eventualities.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert across the north-eastern states for tomorrow, saying heavy to very heavy rainfall are very likely at isolated places over Nagaland and the other states. Nagaland today witnessed incessant rainfall accompanied by strong winds, causing landslides and trees to be uprooted at several locations.