Chief Minister inspected recue and relief operation in disaster sites
IPR / Our Bureau
AIZAWL, May 28, 2024: Cyclone “Remal” has caused death and destruction in Aizawl city area with landslides claiming lives and damaging property in Melthum, Hlimen, Falkawn and Salem Veng. At the time of reporting 27 bodies have been found and search and rescue operations are ongoing with the State Disaster Response Force, Melthum Local Council, and YMA working together.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma and Minister in charge of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) K Sapdanga were present at Melthum with other government officials. The Power and Electricity (P&E) and Public Health Engineering (PHE) departments have issued notices stating that electricity and water supply will be disrupted until further notice due to damage caused by landslides and floods.
In response to the disaster, Chief Minister Lalduhoma has announced a State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) of ₹15 crore and ₹4 lakh as ex-gratia for the deceased. Chief Minister and DM&R Minister will provide ₹2 lakhs to the families of the deceased in Hlimen, with the remaining ex-gratia to be given at a later time according to SDRF norms. Other districts will also receive funds from the SDRF as needed.
Search and rescue operation update as of 7pm Tuesday.
1. Melthum - 14 deceased
2. Hlimen - 4 deceased
3. Salem - 3 deceased
4. Falkawn - 2 deceased
5. Lungsei - 1 deceased
6. Kelsih - 1 deceased
7. Aibawk - 2 deceased
Chief Minister visits disaster sites within Aizawl City Area
Chief Minister Lalduhoma visited two disaster sites in Aizawl city, severely affected by Cyclone Remal. He visited the Aizawl District Disaster Operation Centre to brief officials about the latest developments and announced the sanctioning of Rs 15 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund for relief and rehabilitation initiatives.
He also announced Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia to families of those who lost their lives due to the cyclone-induced disaster. During his visit to Melthum village, the highest number of casualties occurred.
12 bodies were recovered from debris and mudslides at the Melthum Calamity site, while 3 were recovered from the Hlimen sites and 2 from Falkawn sites. The Chief Minister and Home Minister personally handed over Rs 2 lakh each to identified 8 victims, with the remaining Rs 2 lakh disbursed after all reports are finalised.
The Chief Minister provided Rs 50,000 to the Melthum Branch YMA to cover search and rescue expenses. They toured all rescue operation sites in Melthum but were unable to visit the Hlimen calamity site due to connectivity issues.
After concluding their visit, the Chief Minister visited the landslide site at Kanan Locality Cemetery, where 51 graves were exposed and destroyed. Many buried dead bodies were identified and recovered, and the Chief Minister allocated Rs 50,000 to assist with rescue expenses.
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