42 dead in Mizoram’s deadly landslides and cyclone

Mizoram faced a devastating series of calamities between March and May 2024, resulting in the loss of at least 42 lives, according to officials. The Mizoram State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) convened a meeting on Monday, chaired by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, where it was revealed that 5,938 houses and buildings were destroyed during this period.

The deadliest incident occurred on May 28, when landslides in seven areas of the state capital, Aizawl, resulted in 34 deaths. Officials reported that the landslides severely damaged numerous houses, leading to this significant loss of life. An inter-ministerial central team reviewed the damage caused by Cyclone Remal in June and is optimistic that the Centre will provide financial assistance following the submission of its report. K Sapdanga, Minister of State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation, disclosed that the Mizoram government has requested Rs 237 crore from the Centre for rehabilitation and infrastructure repairs due to the cyclone’s devastation.

In response to the crisis, temporary shelters have been set up in the Hlimen area to accommodate 41 affected families from the Hlimen and Melthum localities. The state continues to grapple with the aftermath of these natural disasters, striving to provide relief and rebuild the affected communities.

By Sonakshi Sarkar