Incessant rains, overflowing river flood three Tripura districts; 11,000 people displaced

Mizoram has experienced severe weather conditions as relentless rainfall triggered a series of natural disasters, including landslides, rockfalls, and river overflows. These events forced over 80 families to evacuate to safer areas, according to local authorities. The situation unfolded primarily in the Lunglei district, which borders Bangladesh, where the Khawthlangtuipui river overflowed due to the prolonged downpours. This led to significant flooding in nearby communities such as Tlabung and Tipperaghat, where homes were either fully or partially submerged. As a result, approximately 42 families were relocated from Tlabung, while another 40 families were moved from Tipperaghat village. The impact of the heavy rainfall was not limited to Lunglei. Across the state, more than 29 locations reported incidents related to landslides and rockfalls. However, there have been no reports of casualties or fatalities so far. One of the most notable disruptions was the blockage of National Highway 54 due to a massive landslide near Bualte village. This incident left several tourists stranded for four consecutive days. Additionally, the Aizawl-Thenzawl-Lunglei highway was also obstructed by landslides or rockfalls at Ngaizel, situated on the southern outskirts of Aizawl. These road closures severely impacted transportation and communication within the region. State Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Minister Lalnilawma emphasized the need for vigilance amid the ongoing rainfall, which had already caused multiple incidents across the state. On Thursday, he visited a landslide site near the Ngaizel filing station and voiced his concerns about the challenges faced by the local population. He reassured the public that financial aid and other forms of relief would be provided swiftly and transparently, adhering strictly to established guidelines and legal frameworks. The broader context of this crisis involves the nationwide effects of the southwest monsoon. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the monsoon covered the entire country on Thursday, marking its latest full coverage since 2021. Torrential rains have caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure, leading to road closures, flooded areas, and fatal landslides in various states. While the monsoon arrived three days late over Kerala on June 4, it gained momentum in late June, resulting in excessive rainfall in early July. In Kerala, the death toll from the Wayanad landslide increased to six after emergency personnel recovered three additional bodies. Three individuals are still missing, having been trapped in the rubble. The landslide occurred at a construction site for the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project, which links Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, rescue efforts continued in Pimpri Chinchwad near Pune after a building collapsed at a waste-to-energy plant. The collapse was attributed to a large pile of rain-saturated garbage giving way, with one body recovered and approximately eight others still trapped beneath the debris. Uttarakhand remains one of the hardest-hit states, with over 185 roads blocked and numerous landslides disrupting travel and daily activities. In Tehri district, a landslide near Kaddu Khal on the Chamba-Mussoorie highway caused an old, empty building to collapse. In Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, flash floods submerged a 100-foot iron bridge, isolating certain villages. The IMD has extended its yellow alert for thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in the state until July 15. In West Bengal, the IMD issued landslide warnings for the hill regions of Darjeeling and Kalimpong, urging fishermen in coastal districts to remain ashore until Friday. Officials noted favorable wind patterns and moisture-laden winds coming from the Bay of Bengal, forecasting heavy rain in specific districts. In the northeastern states, over 300 travelers bound for southern Mizoram towns of Siaha and Lawngtlai were stranded in Bualte village after two major landslides blocked National Highway 54. In Tripura, continuous rainfall displaced more than 2,500 people from 434 families, who were relocated to relief camps in Dhalai and Khowai. Flooding affected six districts in Arunachal Pradesh. Across Chhattisgarh, rainfall eased, transitioning to light-to-moderate showers in southern districts. Specific rainfall measurements included 22.6mm in Dantewada, 19.4mm in Geedam, 11.5mm in Dhanora, 7.6mm in Katekalyan, 7mm in Baderajpur, 5.2mm in Barsur, and 4.5mm in Bade Bacheli over a 24-hour period. These developments highlight the wide-ranging impacts of the monsoon season, affecting both urban and rural areas across India. As the situation evolves, authorities continue to monitor the conditions and prepare for further action to ensure the safety and well-being of affected populations.