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Mizoram delays official visits as floods and landslides disrupt lives, Tripura turns schools into shelters

Floods

June 5, 2025 — As relentless rains continue to batter India’s Northeast, the states of Mizoram and Tripura are grappling with severe weather disruptions that have triggered landslides, flash floods, and large-scale displacement. The Mizoram government has postponed all official visits, including those by dignitaries and state officials, to prioritize disaster management and public safety.

In a circular issued on June 2 by Mizoram’s General Administration Department, authorities confirmed that prolonged and intense rainfall has led to widespread destruction. Key districts have been affected by landslides and mudslides, with critical infrastructure damaged and normal life severely hampered. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), led by Deputy Commissioners, are on high alert and are currently focused on relief and rescue operations.

“Given the current emergency and with more rainfall expected, the state’s resources must be concentrated on managing the disaster response,” the circular stated, urging officials to defer any travel to the state until at least June 13. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall across the region in the coming days.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Tripura, the state has taken swift action to accommodate those displaced by flooding. In the capital Agartala, government schools such as Ambedkar School and Vivekananda School have been repurposed into relief shelters. Currently, over 130 families totaling 464 people are taking refuge in these makeshift camps.

Tripura’s administration is working to ensure that basic needs like clean water, food, medical services, and hygiene supplies are available at all relief centers. Authorities have placed a special emphasis on children’s nutrition and medical checkups for elderly evacuees.

Flood survivor Gita Deb, now living in one of the shelters, described the emotional toll of being forced from her home. “Every year we face this. We’re thankful for the help, but what we really need is a long-term solution,” she said.

This year’s monsoon season has once again underscored the urgent need for better flood mitigation infrastructure and climate-resilient planning. Experts warn that without structural changes—such as improved drainage systems, embankments, and community-based preparedness states like Mizoram and Tripura will continue to suffer during annual extreme weather events.

While both state governments are acting swiftly in crisis mode, residents and experts alike are calling for the central government to invest in more sustainable, long-term flood prevention strategies. Until then, these annual deluges continue to upend lives, disrupt development, and put immense pressure on already stretched state resources.

From News Desk

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