Lawngtlai, Mizoram: Three residential houses crumbled in the Bazar Veng and Chandmary Veng localities of Lawngtlai town on Friday night, as incessant and intense rainfall battered southern Mizoram. Preliminary reports from the ground suggest that between five to seven individuals are feared to be trapped under the debris, prompting immediate rescue operations.
The areas affected have a history of geological instability, with a significant ground fissure first reported in 1995. Locals believe the fresh structural collapses were likely triggered by severe soil saturation and waterlogging caused by the relentless downpour. Adding to the woes, the torrential rain has plunged parts of Lawngtlai district into darkness with widespread power outages and has severely disrupted mobile and internet connectivity, thereby hindering communication and complicating rescue logistics.
Local units of the Young Lai Association, working in tandem with personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have swiftly initiated coordinated rescue efforts. While unverified sources hint at potential casualties, official confirmation of fatalities is yet to be received.
The district administration has issued a stern appeal to residents residing in vulnerable zones, urging them to evacuate to safer areas and strictly avoid any unnecessary movement as rain continues to lash the region. Authorities are closely monitoring the evolving situation and have implored the public to maintain calm and rely only on verified updates.
Efforts are currently underway to restore essential services and determine the exact status of those trapped. Further details are awaited as rescue teams intensify their operations amidst challenging weather conditions.
Also read: West Garo Hills Unearths Multi-Crore MGNREGS Scam in Demdema Block