The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Mizoram): At least 17 people, including two minors, have been confirmed dead in the tragic stone quarry collapse in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Tuesday, May 28. Rescue operations are ongoing, but heavy rains resulting from Cyclone Remal are significantly hindering efforts to reach those still trapped under the debris.
Mizoram’s Director-General of Police (DGP) Anil Shukla reported that around 6-7 individuals are feared to be still trapped. Despite the adverse weather conditions, all efforts are being made to rescue the victims.
The disaster struck at around 6 a.m. in the area between Melthum and Hlimen on the southern outskirts of Aizawl. Among the victims are a four-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl. Two individuals have been rescued alive from the site, according to the police.
Of the deceased, seven have been identified as locals, while three are from outside the state. Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced Rs 4 lakh ex gratia for the families of those killed in calamities caused by the rains, including the quarry collapse victims. He has already handed over Rs 2 lakh cheques to the families of the eight Mizo citizens who died, promising the remaining amount soon.
The heavy rains have also triggered landslides at various locations across the state, claiming at least two more lives. In Aizawl’s Salem Veng, a landslide swept away a building, leaving three people missing and prompting an ongoing search operation.
The state capital has been cut off from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar. Several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, and other senior officials to assess the situation. Due to the severe weather conditions, all schools have been closed and government employees, except those providing essential services, have been asked to work from home