Mizoram rains: At least 27 people died and several others were missing after a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram's Aizawl district amidst incessant rain on Tuesday morning, police said. According to the police, the incident occurred at approximately 6 am in the vicinity between Melthum and Hlimen, situated on the southern periphery of Aizawl town. The district administration said that the State government has announced Rs 15 crore to the disaster fund and added Rs 4 lakh will be given to the deceased.
The bodies of the deceased have been recovered. However, various others are still trapped under the debris, a police officer said.
Director-General of Police (DGP) Anil Shukla said that ten bodies have been recovered so far, while several others are still trapped under the debris. "All efforts are underway to rescue the people who are trapped under the debris. However, heavy rains are affecting the operations," he said.
Another police officer said that seven of the deceased are locals while three are from outside the state. "More than 10 people are believed to be still trapped under the debris," he said.
Rains triggered landslides at several places
He further stated that rescue operations were being affected in the wake of incessant rains. As per the officials, the rains triggered landslides at several places in the state.
Aizawl has been cut off from the rest of the country due to a landslide on National Highway 6 at Hunthar, they said. Besides, several intra-state highways have also been disrupted by landslides, they added.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma convened an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma and other senior officials to take stock of the situation, they added.
Because of the rains, all schools were closed and government employees, except those involved in providing essential services, were asked to work from home.
(With PTI inputs)
