Aizawl: In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, at least 17 people, including two children, lost their lives when a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram’s Aizawl. The collapse occurred amid heavy, incessant rains that have been affecting the region. Police have reported that six to seven individuals are still missing.
The incident took place around 6 am in an area located between Melthum and Hlimen on the southern outskirts of Aizawl town. Rescue operations were launched promptly but have been severely hampered by the continuing heavy rains.
Rescue Operations and Ongoing Efforts:
Mizoram Director General of Police Anil Shukla informed PTI that rescue teams have so far recovered 17 bodies and that efforts to find the remaining trapped individuals are ongoing. “We suspect that 6-7 more people are still trapped under the rubble,” he added.
Government Response:
Chief Minister Lalduhoma quickly convened an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, and other senior officials to assess the situation and coordinate the rescue and relief efforts. The Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in calamities caused by the rains, including the quarry collapse. He handed over cheques of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the eight Mizo people who died in the collapse, with the remaining amount to be provided soon.
Impact of Rain-Induced Landslides:
The heavy rains have triggered landslides in various parts of Mizoram. Officials reported that at least two additional persons have died due to these landslides. In Aizawl’s Salem Veng, a landslide swept away a building, leading to three people going missing. Search operations are currently underway to locate them.
The incessant rains and landslides have also caused significant disruption to transportation. Aizawl 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 affected, making travel and rescue efforts even more challenging.
Closure of Schools:
In light of the ongoing heavy rains and associated risks, all schools in the state have been closed. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff during these hazardous conditions.
The stone quarry collapse in Aizawl is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by heavy rains and the resultant landslides in hilly regions. The ongoing rescue operations highlight the challenges faced by emergency responders in adverse weather conditions. The state government’s swift response and the announced financial aid aim to provide some relief to the affected families during this tragic time.
