Aizawl: Aizawl is grappling with the fury of relentless monsoons, as a stone wall collapse in the Thuampui locality has sparked fears of three individuals trapped beneath the debris. The unfortunate incident unfolded while the entire district remains under the India Meteorological Department’s red alert, forecasting extremely heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds. Rescue teams are on the ground, tirelessly working to locate and extricate the trapped persons as operations continue at the site.
The incessant downpour, which pounded the region through the night, led to the closure of all schools across Aizawl District today. While no immediate landslide reports were recorded as of 6 AM, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance, well aware of the precarious ground conditions. Adding to the concerns, a separate rockfall incident on the Chanmari Ramhlun road further underscored the persistent risks posed by the severe weather, highlighting the inherent vulnerability of the hilly terrain during intense monsoon activity.
The decision to shutter educational institutions was made on Wednesday evening, following consultations between the School Education Department and the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department. This proactive measure was taken in response to alerts issued by meteorological centres in Guwahati and Aizawl, prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
Emergency response systems have been fully activated across the state, with the State Emergency Operations Centre and district-level emergency centres placed on high alert. Officials have urged residents to contact helplines 1077, 1070, 0389-2342520, or the universal emergency number 112 for immediate assistance. The Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department has also issued advisories, imploring citizens to remain indoors during adverse weather conditions and to promptly report any incidents to the nearest emergency centre.
This current crisis stirs painful memories of last May’s devastating landslides, which claimed over 30 lives in Aizawl and its surrounding districts after days of continuous heavy rainfall. That tragedy had prompted state authorities to significantly bolster disaster preparedness protocols and enhance coordination between agencies, all with the aim of preventing a recurrence of such widespread casualties. Weather officials continue to monitor the storm system’s trajectory across the state, and schools are expected to remain closed until conditions improve and authorities can ensure the complete safety of students and staff returning to classrooms.
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