Devastation in Mizoram as Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides, Buildings Collapse; Several Feared Dead
Mizoram is facing a grim crisis following incessant heavy rainfall that triggered massive landslides, causing buildings and a hotel to collapse in the southern part of the state. The disaster, which occurred in Longtlai town late Friday night, has raised fears of multiple fatalities, with rescue operations currently underway.
Landslide Wreaks Havoc in Longtlai
According to official sources, the landslide struck around 10:30 PM in the border area of Bazar Veng and Chandmari localities of Longtlai district. As many as five residential buildings and one hotel crumbled under the force of the landslide. Authorities suspect several people, including foreign nationals from Myanmar staying at the hotel, are trapped under the debris.
Emergency services, including personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion, and volunteers from the prominent local civil society group Young Lai Association (YLA), are engaged in ongoing rescue operations despite challenging weather conditions.
Officials have stated that full details of the incident are still awaited, and adverse weather is hampering rapid response. Continuous rainfall since Friday has caused rockfalls and landslides in multiple areas across the state, intensifying the emergency.
Northeast Battling Pre-Monsoon Havoc
The disaster in Mizoram is part of a larger weather crisis engulfing Northeast India even before the official onset of the monsoon. Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh have been battered by torrential downpours over the past 48 hours, forcing the Assam government to shut down schools and colleges as a precautionary measure.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) issued an advisory stating that heavy rainfall, influenced by a deep depression over the northwestern Bay of Bengal, has particularly affected the western and southern districts of the state. Rainfall exceeding 20-30 cm has been recorded in several areas.
In a proactive move, the Assam government has also declared emergency leave for government employees in severely affected regions to ensure their safety.
Outlook and Precautionary Measures
Authorities across the northeastern states are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid landslide-prone zones. Rescue teams have been placed on high alert, and essential services are being coordinated through district administrations. With the monsoon expected to arrive in full force in the coming weeks, disaster preparedness remains a key focus.
As the situation unfolds, central agencies and local governments continue to monitor weather patterns and coordinate aid efforts to mitigate further damage and loss of life.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.