Thousands go homeless in NE after floods, landslides

Several areas in the country’s northeast region experienced heavy rainfall in the past few days, causing floods and landslides in several districts, and leaving thousands of people homeless.

MIZORAM

Floods and landslides have disrupted normal life in Mizoram since Sunday. Government officials say large scale destruction of public and private properties have been reported from the state, though there have been no casualties.

According to government reports, as many as 10 villages in Lunglei district have been affected and some 22 houses have been damaged, while more than 500 families, mostly from Chakma dominated Tlabung town, had to be evacuated. Officials also said that as many as 250 houses have submerged under floods in Mamit district.

MANIPUR

Incessant rains have caused havoc in the past three days, including flooding and landslides at several places in Manipur on Wednesday. The government declared a holiday for all government establishments, except the essential services on account of ‘sudden flood,’ while education department declared holiday for all government and private educational institutions on account of ‘grim flood situation’ for two days till Thursday.

The situation worsened after Imphal river and Kongba river banks were breached in Imphal East district, officials said.

The breach submerged large residential areas, including VIP colonies, besides government offices including All India Radio.

TRIPURA

A report by the Emergency Operation Centre said that a total of 3,472 families have taken shelter in 64 camps set up by the government in Tripura, which received heavy rainfall measuring 86mm in the past 24 hours.

An unidentified man is suspected to have been washed away in the flood while a woman was injured in the landslide, according to some reports. The state has received 75% more pre-monsoon rainfall this year, which a MeT official said was ‘an exception’.