Cyclone Remal has triggered heavy rain and wind in Assam and several districts are on high alert. A red alert has been issued for Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts while an Orange alert has been issued for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai and West Karbi Anglong districts.
Incessant rain and strong wind disrupted the power supply in most of the affected districts including Guwahati since late last evening. Several district administrations have closed schools for today as precautionary measures and Northeast Frontier Railway has also cancelled several trains. Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has directed all the DDMAs to review the situation and, as per need, plying of boats may be regulated in the mainstream of Brahmaputra River particularly in Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara-Mankachar, Bongaigaon and Barpeta districts and also Barak and Kusiara rivers in the Barak Valley districts.
State government has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens in the wake of the rainfall and wind speeds owing to Cyclone Remal. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are on standby and control rooms are operational, while asking people to cooperate with local administration.
Notably, the Indian Meteorological Department has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in Goalpara, Dima Hasao, Cachar and Karimganj districts today.
In Mizoram, at least 12 people died this morning due to a landslide at Hlimen, which is about four kilometres from Aizawl. Rescue operations are in full swing. Cyclone Remal has triggered heavy rain and strong wind since last night. Akashvani correspondent reports that
“Incessant rain has caused havoc and paralysed life in Mizoram. In many places, roads have been cut due to landslide and falling of trees. The capital Aizawl City looks deserted with shops are being closed and public transportation off the road. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced 15 crore rupees for disaster relief fund. The Government has announced closure of all Government offices and Schools across the state.”.
