Following two days of relentless rainfall, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in parts of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, leading to landslides, flash floods, and significant infrastructure damage that have disrupted daily life. In Arunachal Pradesh, seven people have died as a result of a major landslide on National Highway 13, while Tripura mourns the loss of a minor. Mizoram has also been severely affected, with five individuals feared dead after a hotel collapsed due to landslides in Lawngtlai.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the tragic landslide occurred late Friday night between Bana and Seppa in the East Kameng district. Heavy monsoon rains triggered the landslide, which caused a vehicle carrying seven passengers to plunge into a deep gorge while on its way to Seppa. Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Mama Natung expressed deep condolence to the families affected, stating, “It’s very painful to hear about the tragic loss of seven lives in my constituency. My heartfelt condolences.” He cautioned residents against traveling at night during the monsoon season. Rescue teams have recovered all seven bodies, though their identities remain unconfirmed, as clean-up efforts continue amid ongoing rainfall. Deputy Commissioner Tasso Gambo, along with other officials, visited the impacted areas and advised residents in vulnerable zones to evacuate. District Information Officer Taw Ekke reported that all relevant departments are on high alert.
In Mizoram’s Lawngtlai town, a landslide on Friday night resulted in multiple casualties, as five houses and a hotel collapsed around 10:30 PM in the Bazar Veng and Chandmary areas. Authorities indicated that several hotel occupants, believed to be from Myanmar, may still be trapped under the rubble. Rescue operations involving the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the 3rd Indian Reserve Battalion, and volunteers from the Young Lai Association are actively underway. Officials noted that further updates on the situation are pending due to challenging weather conditions.
In Tripura, the heavy rain has caused one fatality and displaced over 200 individuals. A 16-year-old boy tragically drowned while fishing with his father in the Jirania sub-division of West Tripura, casting a shadow of sorrow over the local community. The state’s Revenue Department reported that 207 individuals from 57 families have been relocated to four relief camps in West Tripura and Khowai districts. A Red Alert has been issued for North Tripura and Unakoti districts, with an Orange Warning for other areas, as river levels approach critical thresholds. The Howrah River did breach the danger mark at Jahar Bridge in Agartala before stabilizing, and rainfall has been substantial, with Mohanbhog recording the highest at 204.8 mm, followed by Jirania (158.5 mm) and Agartala (121.6 mm).
In response to the crisis, the Tripura Chief Minister held an emergency review meeting, coordinating the efforts of SDRF, Tripura State Rifles, Civil Defence, and volunteers for rescue and debris removal. Significant infrastructure damage has been reported, affecting at least 106 homes, uprooting power poles, and blocking roads in areas including Panisagar, Jampuijala, Jirania, Mohanpur, and Sabroom. Although the rains have lessened since Friday night, authorities remain vigilant. The State Emergency Operations Centre, in cooperation with the Central Water Commission, continues to monitor the evolving situation, and public advisories remain in effect, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid flood-prone regions.
