Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Minister Lalnilawma has issued a strong appeal urging residents affected by relentless downpours to maintain utmost vigilance and promptly report landslides, blocked routes, and other critical emergencies to the designated authorities. The continuous spells of heavy precipitation over the past few days have unleashed widespread disruption, triggering multiple landslips and cutting off crucial transport connectivity across various districts of the state.
Official Video Address on Ground Realities
In an official video message released on Wednesday, Lalnilawma detailed how the heavy downpour has severely impacted infrastructure, leading to road blockages and isolation in several pockets of the state. He emphasized that the government is actively monitoring the developments and taking all necessary precautionary measures to ensure public safety as the adverse weather conditions persist.
Deployment of Zonal Officers and Local Committees
To streamline rescue operations and assist those impacted by the inclement weather, Zonal Officers have been stationed across different localities to provide immediate relief and coordination. Furthermore, dedicated disaster management committees have been successfully constituted at both village and local levels, functioning under the direct supervision of the respective deputy commissioners to respond swiftly to distress calls.
Utilizing the Khuarel App for Emergency Reporting
The minister strongly encouraged individuals facing urgent crises to reach out to the authorities without any delay, reassuring the public that the Department of Disaster Management and Rehabilitation remains fully equipped to handle distress situations. He specifically urged residents to leverage the Khuarel App, a dedicated disaster incident and reporting management system developed by the department, allowing citizens to report emergencies seamlessly through their smartphones. This digital tool has proven particularly effective for reporting road obstructions and landslips disrupting connectivity within neighborhoods or inter-village routes.
Threat to Capital Water Supply Infrastructure
Lalnilawma, who additionally oversees the Public Health Engineering portfolio, raised serious concerns that Aizawl could experience significant disruptions in drinking water supply following extensive damage inflicted on critical water infrastructure. He explained that a severe landslide completely blocked the Greater Aizawl Water Supply Scheme Phase III, which serves as a vital water source for the capital city, thereby halting crucial pumping operations.
Construction Debris Compounds Water Crisis
Additionally, the gravity-fed water supply originating from the Setlak area has faced severe setbacks after earth and debris originating from ongoing construction work on the Aizawl Western Bypass Road obstructed the distribution network. Concluding his address, Minister Lalnilawma appealed to the local population to extend their full cooperation to the administration and brace themselves for potential water shortages amidst these infrastructural disruptions.
