Schools shut in Mizoram as rain, storm batter state

Aizawl: Schools across Mizoram remained closed on Tuesday as heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds battered the state, leaving a trail of destruction.Deputy commissioners in almost all districts ordered the closure of schools up to higher secondary level, citing student safety.

The shutdown followed heavy rain and strong winds since Monday, with the Indian Meteorology Department’s Aizawl Meteorological Centre forecasting more intense pre-monsoon showers and winds.The thunderstorm, driven mainly by gusty winds, damaged homes and government buildings in Lunglei and Lawngtlai districts in south Mizoram, and also affected Serchhip district and Kolasib district bordering Assam. No loss of human live has been reported till date.In Aizawl district, authorities received reports of road blockages due to landslides and rock falls. Power supply and telecommunication services were also disrupted in several locations.Officials of the state disaster management & rehabilitation department said damage assessments are being compiled from District Disaster Management Authorities across all 11 districts, with detailed reports expected soon.

Separately, sleuths of the Cyber Crime Police Station in Aizawl arrested Lalramhlua (18) of Upper Republic Veng for allegedly circulating a fake Office Memorandum on social media that falsely declared a public holiday on Monday due to heavy rainfall.The forged document was projected as issued by the general administration department, purportedly approved by Pi Irene Zohlimpui Chongthu, additional secretary, GAD, and carried a forged digital signature of Pu Ch. Lalnunkima, deputy secretary, GAD, triggering confusion among the public.Cyber Crime Police Station registered a criminal case under sections 336(3)/353(1)(b) BNS and said investigators traced the originator of the post within 24 hours. Lalramhlua remains in detention for further legal action.