Cyclone Remal: 43 Dead, 29,000 Houses Damaged in Bengal and Northeastern States, Mizoram Worst Hit

• First Major Cyclone of the Year: Cyclone Remal, which made landfall on Sunday night between Bangladesh and West Bengal, has caused significant destruction and claimed numerous lives.
• Fatalities: The cyclone has led to at least 61 deaths across affected regions.

Affected Regions and Casualties

Mizoram

• Heavy Toll: Mizoram reported the highest number of casualties, with 27 people losing their lives due to landslides and incessant rain.
• Government Response: The Mizoram Chief Minister announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh to the kin of the deceased.

Assam

• Fatalities: Assam experienced three deaths and 17 injuries due to heavy rain and strong winds.
• Incidents:
  • A 60-year-old woman died after a tree fell on her in Kamrup district.
  • Another person died in a landslide in Lakhimpur district.
  • A 17-year-old college student was killed when a tree fell on an auto-rickshaw in Morigaon district.
• Alert Issued:
• Red Alert: Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Tamulpur, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj.
• Orange Alert: Dhubri, South Salmara, Bajali, Barpeta, and Nalbari.
• Yellow Alert: Remaining districts.
• Government Advisory: The Assam Chief Minister advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and stay safe.

Meghalaya

• Casualties and Injuries: Two people died and over 500 were injured in rain-related incidents.
• Major Incidents: Landslides on the Shillong-Mawlai bypass and at Bivar Road in Oakland; flash floods in Langkyrding, Pynthorbah, Polo, Sawfurlong, and Demseiniong.
• Damage: 125 houses damaged in North Garo Hills, flooding of schools, houses, and roads due to the rise in the river Wah Umkhrah in East Khasi Hills.

Nagaland

• Deaths: At least four deaths reported, including:
  • A seven-year-old boy drowned in Laruri village.
  • Two drowning incidents at Doyang Dam.
  • An elderly man crushed by a collapsing wall in Phek district.
• Damage: Over 40 houses damaged, with significant destruction in Chuchuyimlang village, Noksen subdivision, and Awotsakili village.
• Relief Operations: NDRF personnel deployed for rescue and relief efforts.

Tripura

• Weather Alert: IMD issued an orange alert for Tripura predicting thunderstorms with lightning.
• Destruction: Heavy rain caused a cemetery wall collapse in Baishgharia, leading to the death of livestock and severe damage to a neighboring house.

Manipur

• Flooding: Heavy rainfall inundated several areas, affecting traffic and daily life.
• Mudslide Incident: Near Sinam village, a mudslide swept a truck into a gorge on NH 37 Imphal-Silchar highway.
• School Closures: All schools in Manipur will remain closed for three days starting May 29 due to the adverse weather conditions.

Government and Public Response

• Alerts and Advisories: Various alerts issued across affected states, with advisories for the public to stay safe and avoid unnecessary travel.
• Relief Measures: Local governments and disaster response teams are actively involved in rescue and relief operations to mitigate the impact and provide aid to affected individuals.

Summary

Cyclone Remal has caused widespread devastation across northeastern India, highlighting the need for prompt disaster management and relief efforts. The heavy rainfall and ensuing floods have disrupted daily life, causing significant casualties and property damage. The coordinated response by state governments and disaster management authorities aims to alleviate the suffering and restore normalcy in the affected regions.