Death toll rises to 29 in Mizoram after quarry collapse and landslides

The death toll in Mizoram’s Aizawl district has risen to 29 following a devastating stone quarry collapse and multiple landslides. Two additional bodies were recovered on Wednesday, while seven people remain missing, according to officials.The disaster, triggered by relentless rains in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, has prompted intensive search operations by disaster management forces and local volunteers. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local NGO volunteers have been conducting these operations since Tuesday morning.

By late Tuesday, 27 bodies had been recovered, including 21 from the stone quarry collapse site between Melthum and Hlimen. Additional casualties occurred in other landslide incidents across Salem, Aibawk, Lungsei, Kelsih, and Falkawn within Aizawl district. Of the 29 victims, 23 were from Mizoram, five from Jharkhand, and one from Assam. Tragically, the victims included two minors.The ongoing inclement weather has hampered rescue efforts. Continuous rain has led to further landslides, disrupting vehicle movement and damaging infrastructure. Across several districts, including Aizawl, 81 houses were completely destroyed, and 46 houses, along with roads and bridges, suffered partial damage.

In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Lalduhoma, Home Minister K. Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, and other senior officials have visited the affected areas. The Chief Minister announced a relief fund of Rs 15 crore and an ex gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who died in the landslides.