Rain-triggered disasters claim lives in Mizoram, Nagaland; northeast braces for more

Rainfall has been lashing all eight northeastern States. The India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the region on Saturday as well. File. | Photo Credit: AP

Rain-induced disasters claimed one life each in Mizoram and Nagaland on Friday morning.

In Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, a retaining wall collapsed in the Thuampui area, killing one person and injuring another, who was admitted to hospital, rescue officials said.

In Nagaland, a rockfall on the Dimapur-Kohima highway resulted in the death of a truck driver. This highway, which connects to Manipur’s Imphal, is known to be prone to rockfalls, especially during the rainy season.

Another rockfall was reported from Aizawl’s Chanmari-Ramhlun area, underscoring the city’s vulnerability during intense pre-monsoon and monsoon activity.

Rainfall has been lashing all eight northeastern States. On Wednesday, the Mizoram government ordered the closure of all educational institutions after the State’s School Education Department consulted with the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, acting on meteorological alerts.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of the region on Saturday as well.

Flood alert

The incessant rains have flooded several localities of Guwahati, disrupting normal life. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) warned that continued rainfall could worsen waterlogging and increase the risk of tree falls and landslides in vulnerable pockets.

“The city authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and emergency response systems are being kept on alert. In view of the situation, ASDMA requests all the people of the state, especially Guwahati city dwellers, to take all necessary precautions and remain vigilant,” an advisory from the authority stated.

It urged long-distance travellers to avoid unnecessary movement during intense rainfall and advised residents living in low-lying and hillside areas to stay alert for signs of flooding or landslides.

The Manipur government issued a similar advisory, urging people to keep abreast of the latest weather forecasts and official warnings, ignore rumours, and remain calm.

“Reinforce old doors and windows and secure loose objects in your houses. Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as non-perishable foods, water, torchlights, first aid supplies, and medicines for safety and survival. Stay away from flood and landslide-prone areas, rivers, and streams,” the advisory said.

In Manipur’s Senapati district, landslides along the Tadubi-Ukhrul and Maram-Peren roads have disrupted transportation.

Flights diverted

The rains also affected flight operations at the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati. Airport officials said three flights were diverted to Kolkata and two to Agartala, while several others were delayed.

In Meghalaya, a red alert has been issued in seven districts — East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills, Eastern West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills, and West Jaintia Hills.

Large parts of the low-lying Polo area of Shillong were flooded. The road from Shillong to Sohra and Dawki was blocked by landslides, while mudslides were reported in Ri-Bhoi district.

A section of the arterial highway at Jorabat — a crucial junction connecting Guwahati with Shillong and eastern Assam — remained submerged for several hours.

In Arunachal Pradesh, torrential rains since Thursday night triggered landslides in West Kameng district, stranding vehicles. Officials said road clearance could not begin due to continuous rainfall.

Power supply was disrupted in several parts of the region.

Published - May 30, 2025 08:56 pm IST