At least 22 people including 15 in Mizoram die in east and north east India due to rains caused by cyclone Remal

 

New Delhi 

Due to Cyclone Remal-induced rains, a red alert was sounded in parts of Mizoram and orange alert has been issued in various other parts of northeastern region in India. 

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 15 crore to the victims of landslide due to cyclone Remal. Rs. 4 lakhs (Indian currency) each will be given to the kin of those who died in the landslide, a state government spokesman said. 

At least 15 people were killed in landslides across Aizawl, the capital of northeast India's Mizoram state, on Tuesday, including 11 in a stone quarry collapse.

The eastern and northeastern parts of India witnessed storms caused by cyclone Remal. Authorities in Mizoram government have ordered the closure of all schools, banks, financial institutions, public sector undertakings and government offices except those rendering essential services.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy was killed and several others were injured amid heavy rains accompanied by strong winds in Assam.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of extremely heavy rainfall across the northeastern states as an impact of Remal.

At least six people were killed in West Bengal, and its coastal areas suffered extensive damage to infrastructure and property. 

Several parts of metropolis Kolkata were waterlogged and uprooted trees blocked roads hindering traffic flow. In neighbouring Bangaldesh, at least seven people were killed and millions were left without power.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted on X that Cyclone Remal had caused a lot of damage, adding that the loss of lives was relatively less due to actions of the state administration.

Heavy downpour has been reported from various parts of the northeast. There are three Christian-majority states in northeast including Mizoram, Nagaland and Meghalaya.

Shella region in Meghalaya recorded the highest rainfall of 17 cm on Monday while red alert on rains has been sounded in Tripura - which also houses substantial native tribal Christians.

Specialized relief workers have been asked to maintain a close vigil in various parts of the region including in Assam.

There was heavy rainfall in Naga dominated Ukhrul region in Manipur.

A state government official in Manipur said the rain-hit situation in the hilly Ukhrul region has led to widespread reports of landslides, including electric poles were swept away at Phungreitang.

One of the most affected areas is Shirui locality, where a landslide has completely cut off vehicle movement the highway. Further reports indicate numerous landslides along the Ukhrul-Imphal road, leaving vehicles stranded at various locations.

Three flights connecting Imphal with Kolkata and other northeastern towns were cancelled.

In Nagaland, Disaster Management authorities have cautioned against heavy rainfall and advised people not to venture out near rivers. Heavy downpour in expected in foothill areas of the state.  

Four Silchar bound flights in Assam from Kolkata and Guwahati were also cancelled. 

Even otherwise Assam is vulnerable for annual floods and the seven northeastern states and Sikkim generally experience heavy rainfalls.

ends