Cyclone Remal Causes Devastation in Northeast India: Landslides and Heavy Rains Claim Over 35 Lives

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Cyclone Remal Devastates Northeastern India: Over 35 Dead Amid Landslides and Torrential Rains

Team Finance Saathi

29/May/2024

Key Points:

Cyclone Remal triggers fatal landslides and incessant rains in Northeastern India, with Mizoram being the hardest hit.
At least 27 people, including 14 in a stone quarry collapse, were killed in Mizoram; search and rescue operations continue.
Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya also report deaths and extensive damage due to the cyclone's aftermath.

Cyclone Remal has unleashed a wave of destruction across Northeastern India, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The powerful cyclone, accompanied by incessant rains and strong winds, has resulted in landslides, widespread flooding, and significant loss of life and property. As the region grapples with the aftermath, here's a comprehensive overview of the impact and ongoing relief efforts.

The Devastation in Mizoram

Mizoram has borne the brunt of Cyclone Remal's fury. The state experienced catastrophic landslides that have claimed the lives of at least 27 individuals. Among the casualties, 14 tragic deaths occurred in a stone quarry collapse. The Mizoram State Disaster Management Authority (MSDMA) reported that numerous houses and worker camps were buried under debris as the landslides struck. So far, 14 bodies have been recovered from the rubble, while search operations continue to locate the remaining missing individuals.

A coordinated effort involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Melthum Local Council, and the Young Mizo Association (YMA) is underway to rescue survivors and retrieve the bodies. Speaking to the media, Aizawl's Deputy Commissioner Nazuk Kumar emphasized that the search operations will persist until the entire site is cleared and all victims are accounted for.

Impact in Other Northeastern States

The devastation was not confined to Mizoram. In Assam, the cyclone's aftermath brought heavy rain and strong winds, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to 18 others. The relentless downpour has caused significant flooding and damage across various districts, disrupting normal life and rendering many areas inaccessible.

Nagaland has also suffered the consequences of Cyclone Remal, with reports of four deaths and damage to over 40 houses. The relentless rains and winds have left many homes in ruins and caused severe disruptions to daily activities.

In Meghalaya, the cyclone has wreaked havoc, leading to the deaths of two individuals and injuring over 500 others. The heavy downpour has resulted in widespread flooding, landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local population.

Government Response and Relief Efforts

In the wake of this natural disaster, the government has mobilized significant resources to aid the affected regions. Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced an allocation of Rs 15 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) to support relief and rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh will be provided to the families of the deceased, with Rs 2 lakh given immediately and the remaining amount to be disbursed later, as per SDRF norms.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma, along with Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Minister K Sapdanga, has been actively involved in overseeing the relief operations. They visited the affected areas in Melthum, providing support and reassurance to the affected families and ensuring that relief measures are effectively implemented.

The Path to Recovery

As rescue and relief operations continue, the focus remains on providing immediate assistance to those affected by the cyclone. Efforts are being made to restore essential services, clear debris, and rehabilitate displaced individuals. The collaboration between state authorities, local councils, and volunteer organizations plays a crucial role in these endeavors.

The impact of Cyclone Remal serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of Northeastern India to natural disasters. The region's hilly terrain and heavy monsoon rains make it particularly susceptible to landslides and flooding. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the frequency and intensity of such events are likely to increase, necessitating more robust disaster preparedness and response strategies.

Conclusion

Cyclone Remal has left an indelible mark on Northeastern India, with Mizoram experiencing the most severe impact. The loss of lives, widespread damage to property, and the disruption of daily life highlight the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management and mitigation measures. As the region begins the arduous journey towards recovery, the resilience and solidarity of the affected communities, coupled with timely government intervention, will be key to overcoming this crisis.

In summary, Cyclone Remal's devastation across Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya underscores the importance of proactive disaster preparedness. The immediate response, including the search and rescue operations and the provision of financial aid, is crucial in mitigating the impact and aiding recovery efforts. The path to rebuilding and restoring normalcy will require sustained effort and support from all stakeholders involved.

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