Cyclone Remal wreaked havoc in northeastern India, claiming at least 36 lives and bringing normal life to a standstill across the region. The cyclone’s heavy rains and landslides severely affected road and rail links, with officials reporting widespread damage and disruptions on Tuesday.
Mizoram was the hardest hit, with 27 fatalities, including 21 victims of a tragic quarry collapse in Aizawl district. Nagaland reported four deaths, while Assam and Meghalaya saw three and two fatalities, respectively. The relentless downpour and gusty winds uprooted trees, and electric poles, and disrupted power and internet services across the affected states.
The quarry collapse in Mizoram, between Melthum and Hlimen in Aizawl district, resulted in the deaths of 21 individuals, with several more feared trapped under the debris. Disaster management and police officials confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing. Additionally, multiple landslides in Salem, Aibawk, Lungsei, Kelsih, and Falkawn claimed six more lives, with many others reported missing.
Nagaland reported four deaths and significant property damage, with over 40 houses affected. Incidents included a minor boy drowning near Laruri village in Phek district and two other drowning cases at Doyang Dam in Wokha district. An elderly man perished after a wall collapsed in Phek.
In Assam, three people died, and 17 were injured across Kamrup, Kamrup (Metro), and Morigaon districts. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) detailed that injuries occurred when a tree branch fell on a school bus in Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur district, injuring 12 students. Five more were injured in various incidents in Morigaon. Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed deep sorrow over the fatalities.
Heavy storms hit several Assam districts, including Bongaigaon, Chirang, Darrang, Dhubri, Hojai, Kamrup, Kamrup Metro, Karbi Anglong, Kokrajhar, Morigaon, Nagaon, Sonitpur, South Salmara, and West Karbi Anglong, further complicating rescue and relief efforts.
Meghalaya faced torrential rains resulting in two deaths and over 100 injuries. The deceased were reported from East Jaintia Hills and East Khasi Hills districts. Severe weather damaged numerous houses in 17 villages. Major landslides occurred on the Shillong-Mawlai Bypass and Bivar Road in Oakland, while flash floods hit Langkyrding, Pynthorbah, Polo, Sawfurlong, and Demseiniong areas.
Tripura also experienced severe weather, with heavy rain and winds of 50 to 60 km per hour damaging 470 houses. Approximately 750 people sought refuge in 15 relief camps across different districts. Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushant Chowdhury reported an average rainfall of 215.5 mm, with Unakoti district recording the highest at 252.4 mm.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a high alert predicting extremely heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Pema Khandu urged residents to take all necessary precautions and avoid vulnerable areas.
Cyclone Remal’s devastation has prompted significant rescue and relief operations across the northeast, with authorities working tirelessly to restore normalcy. The widespread damage to infrastructure, power, and communication networks poses a significant challenge as the region braces for continued adverse weather conditions.
