Cyclone Remal kills over 50 in NE, needs to be united in this challenging time: Manipur CM

Northeast India is reeling from the impact of cyclone Remal which caused heavy rainfall, floods and landslides as it progressed over the region on May 28 as a deep depression.

Over 50 people were killed across Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Meghalaya as rain triggered by the cyclone led to floods, landslides, and widespread damage to homes.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Remal, which wreaked havoc in Manipur and other states, Chief Minister N Biren Singh today took to Facebook and said, “Not only in my state, my neighbouring sister states are also suffering due to the Cyclone Remal. In Assam, more than six lakh families are affected while 15 lives have been lost. In Mizoram, more than 30 people have died and many families are affected. In Manipur, nearly 1.5 lakhs families are affected and four people have died, while one person remains missing. In Meghalaya and Nagaland also, many people are affected. In these challenging times, we must come together as a united front to provide support to those in need and tide over the challenges.”

Earlier on Sunday, he said that the work to de-clog obstructions and restore the flow of the Naga River at North.

“Continuing our efforts to remove floodwater and clean waterlogged areas, Manipur Fire Service teams have begun work to de-clog obstructions and restore the flow of the Naga River at North AOC Imphal”, CM Singh Twitted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting on Sunday to review the post-cyclone situation, especially in states of the northeast.

According to government sources, PM Modi will also hold some more meetings on a wide range of topics, including a brainstorming session to review the agenda for the new government’s first 100 days.

Continuous rainfall and landslides have isolated parts of the northeast, submerging railway tracks under floodwaters.

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has cancelled express, passenger, and goods trains bound for south Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram since Tuesday due to inundated railway tracks throughout the region.

PM Modi earlier expressed grief over the situation in the northeastern states amid natural disasters in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal and assured all possible support.

He said that the Centre is continuously monitoring the situation, and officials are working on the ground to assist those affected.

On Friday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the phone about the flood situation in the state and assured him of the Centre’s support.