Heavy rainfall in Northeast India has resulted in a tragic incident in Mizoram, where a wall collapse in Aizawl claimed the life of one person and left another injured. The incident occurred in the Thuampui area of Aizawl, Mizoram, around 7 AM. A wall collapsed onto a laborers' camp, burying two individuals under the debris. Lalnunmawia, 36, died on the spot, while Lalfakzuala, 35, sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment at a nearby Greenwood hospital.
The collapse occurred after incessant rains. The northeastern states have been experiencing intermittent light to moderate rainfall, triggered by a depression in the Bay of Bengal. The Mizoram Disaster Management Authority confirmed the incident, highlighting the severe impact of the continuous downpour.
The heavy rain has disrupted normal life in Mizoram. Schools in the Aizawl district were closed for two consecutive days as the mountainous state grapples with landslides in various regions. Landslides and rockfalls have blocked inter-district and national highways, hindering transportation and rescue efforts. At least two houses were severely damaged due to land subsidence and the collapse of a retaining wall in Mauchar village, near the Assam and Manipur border, and in Rangvamual on the outskirts of Aizawl. A house in Champhai's Bethel Veng neighborhood was swept away by a mudslide. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in these incidents. A road to Berawtlang, a popular tourist destination near Aizawl, caved in due to a significant landslide, and a street in the Ramhlun South area was blocked by a rockfall. Two houses in the Mamit district sustained partial damage due to a landslide and strong winds. Additionally, a wooden bridge over the Tisopi river in the Siaha district was washed away by floods, and a national highway was blocked by a landslide near the Cheru river in the Lawngtlai district.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued adverse weather conditions across the northeastern states. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, is expected to persist until June 1. An orange alert has been issued for several states, including Assam, where flash floods and waterlogging have already disrupted life in cities like Guwahati. The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has also warned of heavy rainfall in nearly every district until June 5, with isolated thunderstorms and lightning.
Other parts of Northeast India are also facing severe consequences due to the heavy rainfall. In Tripura, a 16-year-old boy drowned, and 57 families were moved to relief camps after flooding in low-lying areas. Meghalaya reported three fatalities: a woman died in a landslide, a man drowned, and a teenager was killed by a falling tree. Over 1,000 people in 25 villages have been affected by floods and landslides. In Sikkim, landslides caused by heavy rains have damaged properties in the Theeng and Chungthang areas.
Authorities are urging residents to take necessary precautions during this period, including avoiding areas prone to waterlogging and landslides. The ASDMA has warned of potential heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in western and southern Assam over the next few days. The Guwahati airport authority has advised passengers to check their flight status and arrive early due to the inclement weather.
