A stone quarry collapsed in Mizoram, India on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, due to heavy rainfall triggered by Tropical Storm Remal, killing 17 workers and leaving at least six others missing. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities strive to locate and save the missing individuals.
The collapse occurred in Melthum, a village about 3.5 miles from Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl. Senior police officer Rahul Alwal stated that rescuers have so far recovered 17 bodies, including two minors, and managed to pull out two workers alive from the debris. “We are doing everything possible to reach those still trapped,” Alwal said. “The heavy rains are making the rescue operations extremely challenging.”
Like many others in the region, the quarry was used to extract road and building construction stones. However, it has come to light that many of these operations proceed without the necessary environmental clearances. This lack of regulation has previously led to fatal incidents. In 2022, a similar collapse in Mizoram’s Mamit town resulted in the deaths of seven workers, while 12 others were killed in another quarry collapse the same year.
Mizoram Police Chief Anil Shukla emphasized the urgency of the rescue efforts despite adverse weather conditions. “Rescue teams are doing everything possible to save those trapped beneath the debris, but heavy rains are hindering their progress,” he stated. “We believe that six to seven individuals remain buried under the rubble.”
The region has been experiencing severe weather since Tropical Storm Remal made landfall in neighboring Bangladesh. The India Meteorological Department has warned about the potential for further damage due to heavy rains. They cautioned that vulnerable structures and thatched houses are particularly at risk and that landslides could occur in the hilly terrain of Mizoram.
In addition to the quarry collapse, the heavy rains have caused multiple landslides across the state. Four more people were reported dead due to separate landslides, and several highways and key roads in Aizawl have been closed. The relentless rain has also led to the closure of all schools, and government employees have been instructed to work from home unless they are involved in essential services.
The storm’s impact has been felt widely across the region. A landslide in Aizawl’s Salem Veng area swept away a building, resulting in three more people going missing. The continuous downpour has made it difficult for rescue teams to reach affected areas quickly.
Mizoram’s Chief Minister, Lalduhoma, convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and coordinate rescue efforts. He also announced an ex-gratia payment for the families of those killed in the calamities caused by the heavy rains, including the stone quarry collapse. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” Lalduhoma said. “We are committed to providing all necessary support during this difficult time.”
President Droupadi Murmu offered her sympathies regarding the incident. “I am saddened by the loss of lives in the stone quarry collapse near Aizawl, Mizoram. My heartfelt condolences go out to the grieving families. I hope for the success of the rescue efforts and a swift recovery for those injured,” she said.
The search and rescue operations continue, with the community rallying to support affected families and aid in the relief efforts.
