May 29, 2024
GUWAHATI – At least 14 people were killed in a stone quarry collapse triggered by landslide in the capital city of Mizoram as Cyclone Remal caused havoc across the northeastern states, officials said on Tuesday.
Another person was killed in a storm in Assam’s Morigaon district and 12 children were injured in Dhekiajuli after a tree fell on them due to a storm, they said.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on ‘X’, “Heavy storms are lashing parts of the State and is expected to continue. I’ve instructed officials to be alert to respond to exigencies at the earliest. Request citizens to not venture out unless there is an emergency and be safe. We are constantly monitoring the situation. #CycloneRemal.”
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted extremely heavy rainfall across the region as an impact of the cyclone.
According to officials, the stone quarry collapse took place on Monday and 14 people have died so far.
Heavy rainfall began on May 27 due to Cyclone Remal and it intensified on May 28, causing landslides in many areas across the state.
The Mizoram government has announced Rs 4 lakh as ex gratia for families of the dead.
The state government has also ordered closure of all schools, banks, financial institutions, public sector undertakings, and government offices, except those rendering essential services.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma has called for an emergency meeting with heads of all the departments to take stock of the situation.
In Meghalaya also the impact of the cyclone was widespread as trees were uprooted and roads were blocked as strong winds lashed with rains swept across the state.