Cyclone Remal: Death Toll Rises To 39, Northeastern States Worst Affected Due To Heavy Rain, Landslides

At least 39 persons were killed on Tuesday across the country due to rain-related incidents and landslides caused due to the passage of severe cyclonic storm Remal, which made landfall on Sunday night between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladesh’s Khepupara. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the northeastern states, including Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland, are witnessing heavy rainfall.

22 people have reportedly died in Mizoram due to the arrival of the cyclone, while Assam witnessed the deaths of two people. In addition to this, six people have lost their lives due to the impact of Cyclone Remal, which brought heavy winds and rainfall in West Bengal and several other northeastern parts of the country.

The weather forecasting agency earlier today predicted heavy rainfall over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura, and light rainfall over others. IMD further issued a warning stating the rains are likely to cause damage to vulnerable structures and might also cause disruption in traffic due to waterlogging in several areas.

27 Dead, Several Missing In Mizoram

Cyclone Remal has claimed 27 lives in Aizawl district following landslides. Electricity and water supply will be stifled due to damage of infrastructure, informed the state Department of Information and Public Relations.

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhawma has announced Rs 15 crore for State Disaster Relief Fund and Rs 4 lakh was announced as ex-gratia to the kin of deceased.

2 Killed In Assam; CM Monitoring Situation

Two persons were killed and 17 others injured in separate incidents as heavy rains accompanied by strong winds, as an impact of cyclone Remal, left a trail of destruction in Assam on Tuesday

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma informed that officials have been instructed “to respond to exigencies at the earliest” in view of heavy rainfall acrosss the state.

Sarma also requested the citizens to refrain from venturing outdoors except in emergencies. “We are constantly monitoring the situation,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

4 Killed In Nagaland

At least four deaths and damage to more than 40 houses have been reported in Nagaland in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, a senior official said.

A seven-year-old boy drowned at Laruri village under Meluri subdivision following heavy rainfall under the impact of the cyclone, while two other drowning incidents were reported from Doyang Dam in Wokha district. In Phek district’s Rekizu ward, an elderly man was crushed to death after a wall collapsed.

Meghalaya Schools In Several Districts Remained Close Today

The Meghalaya government on Monday announced that schools would remain closed on Tuesday in districts where heavy rain is expected due to cyclone ‘Remal’.

“To avoid any untoward incidents, all schools under East Khasi Hills District shall remain closed on May 28,” read the order of the Deputy Commissioner. Similar orders were issued by DCs of West Khasi, West Jaintia, East Garo and South West Garo hills districts.

Heavy Damage Reported In Tripura

Cyclone Remal has affected many places in Tripura as big trees were uprooted along with power lines. The cyclone has caused massive damage in the state with heavy destruction to vulnerable structures.

“Everything has been arranged by the District Magistrate of the West District,” the District Magistrate said.

Cyclone Remal Lashes India, Bangladesh

Cyclone Remal is the first of the frequent storms expected to pound the low-lying coasts of the South Asian neighbours this year. Packing speeds of up to 135 kph, it crossed the area around Bangladesh’s southern port of Mongla and the adjoining Sagar Islands in West Bengal late on Sunday, weather officials said, making landfall at about 9 p.m.

More than 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, are at high health, nutrition, sanitation and safety risk, said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative to Bangladesh, Reuters reported.

(With inputs from PTI)

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