At least 14 people have died, and several others are missing after a stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram’s Aizawl district on Tuesday morning. The collapse occurred around 6 am between Melthum and Hlimen, following incessant rain due to Cyclone Remal.
While the northeastern states are grappling with heavy rainfall, North India is suffering from severe heatwave conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for several northern states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR, until May 29. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to exceed 46 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
The IMD’s seven-day forecast predicts temperatures in Delhi and surrounding areas will remain above 45 degrees Celsius until May 30, after which a slight drop is expected. An ‘above normal’ monsoon and a humid June are also forecasted for the northern states.
Northeast Rain Tragedy
In Mizoram and Tripura, heavy rainfall was recorded on Monday. Ten people died, and several others went missing after a stone quarry collapsed in Aizawl due to the relentless rain. Flight cancellations were reported in Tripura following a red alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms.
The IMD also predicts light to moderate rainfall in parts of Karnataka until May 30 due to cyclonic disturbances. Kerala can expect gusty winds and light rain, although Cyclone Remal’s influence on the southern states will be minimal.
Mizoram: Landslides Triggered by Rain
The heavy rains have triggered landslides in various parts of Mizoram, resulting in at least two fatalities. A landslide in Aizawl’s Salem Veng swept away a building, leaving three people missing. Search operations are ongoing.
National Highway 6 at Hunthar has been blocked by a landslide, cutting off the state capital from the rest of the country. Several intra-state highways have also been disrupted.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma held an emergency meeting with Home Minister K Sapdanga, Chief Secretary Renu Sharma, and other senior officials to assess the situation. Due to the heavy rains, all schools have been closed, and government employees, except those providing essential services, have been instructed to work from home.
IMD Predictions
As North India struggles with scorching heat, the IMD has predicted heavy rains and thunderstorms for eastern, northeastern, and southern states over the next few days due to Cyclone Remal. A red alert has been issued for multiple northern states, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi-NCR, until May 29. The maximum temperature in Delhi is expected to cross 46 degrees Celsius on Tuesday.
