Mizoram: An Ongoing Tragedy Amid Cyclone Remal‘s Fury

An Ongoing Tragedy Amid Cyclone Remal’s Fury in NE States

DILIP DAIMARY

Mizoram – A state reeling from the devastating aftermath of Cyclone Remal faces the daunting task of rescue and recovery operations after massive landslides, triggered by incessant rain, wreaked havoc across the northeastern region.

As rescue teams labor to locate missing persons amidst the debris, the true scale of the disaster continues to unfold, with lives lost, homes destroyed, and communities left in disarray.

On May 28, Mizoram was struck by a series of catastrophic landslides, primarily concentrated in the capital city of Aizawl. The relentless downpour, a consequence of Cyclone Remal’s residual force, precipitated multiple landslides, leading to the collapse of several stone quarry houses between Melthum and Hlimen on Aizawl’s southern outskirts. By the next day, rescue operations had recovered 25 bodies, but many more remained unaccounted for.

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The landslides claimed at least 14 lives, including two minors, with around eight others missing. Tragically, among the deceased were a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. Numerous houses and worker camps were buried under the debris, leaving a trail of destruction and grief. Rescue operations commenced at dawn on May 29, involving personnel from various battalions and local volunteers.

Despite the challenging conditions, including intermittent weather changes, the teams continued their search with unwavering determination. The Mizoram State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) reported extensive damage and ongoing efforts to locate the missing, particularly at the abandoned stone quarry site where multiple houses had collapsed.

Deputy Commissioner Nazuk Kumar of Aizawl emphasized the commitment to clear the entire site, ensuring no one was left behind. Nearby, in Hlimen, five bodies had been recovered while four individuals remained missing, prompting continuous search efforts. The impact of the landslides extended beyond Aizawl.

In Salem Veng, a building collapse resulted in three fatalities, while single deaths were reported in Falkawn, Lungsei, and Kelsih due to landslides burying homes. The severe weather not only disrupted the lives of Mizoram’s residents but also severed the state from the rest of the country.

Landslides blocked National Highway-6 at Hunthar and NH-54 at Bungbangla, cutting off access for an entire day. Although road blockades were cleared by evening, restoring traffic movement, the damage to infrastructure and the interruption to daily life were stark reminders of nature’s ferocity.

Cyclone Remal left a trail of devastation across the northeastern states, with Mizoram suffering the heaviest toll. The cyclone-induced storms and landslides claimed 31 lives across Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya. Assam faced its own tragedies, with three storm-related deaths and significant disruptions due to uprooted trees, electric poles, and landslides.

Power outages persisted in many areas since Monday midnight. Meghalaya reported one death in the East Jaintia Hills after a wall collapse, further highlighting the widespread impact of the cyclone.

In response to the disaster, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced a ₹4 lakh ex-gratia for families of the deceased and allocated ₹15 crore to address the disasters triggered by the rains. The state’s General Administration Department, led by Commissioner and Secretary K. Lalthawmmawia, ordered the closure of all offices and PSU units, except those involved in disaster management and essential services.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecasted further light to moderate rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds, prompting continued vigilance and preparedness.

Beyond Mizoram, the ripple effects of Cyclone Remal were felt across the northeastern states. In Manipur, heavy rains led to floods in the Imphal Valley, affecting thousands as the Imphal River overflowed, inundating homes and forcing residents to seek shelter in community halls. The collapse of the Irang Bailey Bridge on NH 37 further disrupted road communication, complicating relief efforts.

Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took proactive measures by closing educational institutions in nine districts to ensure the safety of students and faculty. The state also faced significant infrastructure damage, with urban floods in Silchar affecting over 21,000 people. Relief camps were established to provide shelter and essential supplies to those displaced.

The human toll of Cyclone Remal’s aftermath is staggering. Families have been torn apart, homes reduced to rubble, and livelihoods disrupted. The environmental impact is equally severe, with landslides causing significant soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and damage to natural habitats. The destruction of cemeteries in Aizawl, where over 200 graves were damaged, serves as a poignant reminder of the disaster’s far-reaching consequences.

As the region grapples with the immediate challenges of rescue and relief, the long-term task of rebuilding looms large. Infrastructure must be repaired, homes reconstructed, and communities supported in their recovery.

The recurring nature of such disasters in the northeastern region underscores the need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. Strengthening early warning systems, improving infrastructure resilience, and fostering community awareness are critical components of reducing vulnerability to future events. The government’s swift response and allocation of resources are crucial steps, but sustained efforts are needed to build long-term resilience.

The tragedy unfolding in Mizoram and its neighboring states serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. As rescue operations continue and communities begin the arduous process of rebuilding, the resilience and solidarity of the people will be paramount.

The lessons learned from Cyclone Remal must inform future strategies to ensure that the northeastern region is better equipped to face the challenges posed by such natural disasters.

The unfolding tragedy in Mizoram and its neighboring states emphasizes the importance of preparedness and resilience in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. As rescue operations continue and communities begin the arduous process of rebuilding, the solidarity and determination of the people, coupled with effective government support and planning, will be essential in overcoming the challenges posed by Cyclone Remal.

The lessons learned from this disaster must inform future strategies to ensure that the northeastern region is better equipped to face similar challenges in the future.

29-05-2024

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