Death toll in Mizoram landslides rises to 29

AOZAW, 1 Jun: The death toll in landslides in Mizoram climbed to 29 after the body of a 34-year-old woman was found in the Tlawng river in Kolasib district, officials said.

The woman, identified as Vanlalruali, and her husband had been missing after being hit by a landslide in Aibawk village in Aizawl district on Tuesday.

The woman’s body was found in the river in Hortoki village in Kolasib district, which borders Assam, on Friday, they said.

Her body was taken to Kawnpui after being fished out of the river and her family members confirmed her identity.

Search for five other missing persons – four of whom are from Melthum, including a six-month-old, besides Vanlalruali’s husband – is underway.

Deaths were reported in multiple landslides in Aizawl district on Tuesday. Of the deceased, 21 were locals while eight were migrants from Jharkhand and Assam.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced an ex gratia amount of Rs 4 lakhs each for the next of kin of the deceased.

He said that the government has earmarked Rs 15 crores to tackle disasters triggered by rain caused by cyclone Remal. (PTI)