The state government of Mizoram has confirmed that the recent cyclone, named ‘Remal,’ has unfortunately resulted in the tragic loss of 27 lives across various areas, including Melthum, Hlimen, Falkawn, Salem Veng, and the state capital, Aizawl.
According to the Directorate of Information, Public Relations (DIPR) of Mizoram, search and rescue operations are persistently being implemented, with the collaboration of State Disaster Response Force personnel, Melthum Local Council, and YMA. The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, has swiftly announced the allocation of 15 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) and an ex-gratia payment of 4 lakh to the families of the deceased.
The Chief Minister, along with the DM&R Minister K Sapdanga, has already provided 2 lakh to the bereaved families in Hlimen, with the remaining amount to be disbursed subsequently as per the guidelines of SDRF. Both officials visited Melthum, accompanied by government representatives, to personally assess the gravity of the situation.
To further address the challenges arising from the cyclone, the Power and Electricity (P&E) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments have declared that electricity and water supply will remain disrupted until further notice due to extensive damage to electric lines and water pumps caused by landslides and floods.
As per reports from Mizoram DIPR, the cyclone has left a devastating trail, with 14 fatalities in Melthum, 4 in Hlimen, 3 in Salem, 2 each in Falkawn and Aibawk, and 1 each in Lungsei and Kelsih areas within Aizawl district. Search and rescue operations were comprehensively reviewed as of 7 pm on May 28.
The cyclone originated in Bangladesh, causing a deep depression, and is currently traversing the Shillong and Jowai regions of Meghalaya while gradually weakening. Tripura’s Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, has emphasized the provision of all necessary assistance from the administration to the people.
The regional center of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Guwahati has predicted widespread light to moderate rainfall throughout Mizoram on Wednesday. Additionally, isolated areas of the hill state may experience thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds ranging from 30-40 kmph. In response to this weather advisory, the Mizoram government has instructed the closure of all offices and public sector units on Wednesday, excluding those involved in disaster management and offering essential services.
The Aizawl Deputy Commissioner has reported the relocation of over 50 families to safer locations as their homes were inundated by the overflowing Tlawng river near Sairang village, approximately 21 km from Aizawl.
In the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Remal,’ around 150 houses have been demolished, numerous trees and electric poles have been uprooted, several roads have been blocked, and over 50 residential units have been submerged across Mizoram, leaving a widespread path of destruction.
