Desk |
Updated: May 31, 2024 23:23 IST
New Delhi [India], May 31 (Desk): As several northeastern states continue to grapple with natural disasters following Cyclone Remal, political leaders across party lines expressed anguish over the situation and hoped for respite for the affected people.
The Central government said that the situation is being monitored and assured the affected states of all possible support.
Over three dozen people have lost their lives, and more than two lakh have been affected across the northeastern states due to flash floods, heavy rains, and landslides caused by Cyclone Remal over the past four days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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.
Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, “Unfortunately, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal have witnessed natural disasters in the aftermath of Cyclone Remal. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected there. Took stock of the prevailing situation. The Central Government has assured all possible support to the states and is continuously monitoring the situation. Officials are working on the ground to assist those affected.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed concern about the situation and briefed Prime Minister Modi. He spoke to the respective Chief Ministers, assessed the situation, and assured them of all possible help.
Taking to social media platform X, Amit Shah said, “Deeply concerned about the natural disasters triggered by Cyclone Remal in Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Also briefed PM Shri @narendramodi Ji on the situation, who expressed solidarity with those affected. Spoke to the respective state Chief Ministers, took stock of the situation, and assured them of all possible help.”
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured for a speedy recovery. The situation is being closely monitored and authorities are providing all possible assistance to the affected,” he added.
BJP President JP Nadda extended condolences to the affected families and instructed BJP workers and state units to provide all possible assistance.
“Concerned for the people of Assam, Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, who have been affected by natural disasters triggered by Cyclone Remal, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and express prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have instructed all BJP state units and karyakartas to provide possible assistance to the affected and help mitigate the situation,” Nadda said.
“Additionally, I appeal to the people of these states to take necessary measures to minimize the impact of the cyclone’s aftermath,” he added.
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.
A section of National Highway 6, which connects Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, collapsed after a landslide on Thursday.
A section of National Highway 6, which connects Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, collapsed after a landslide on Thursday.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed concern about the “grim situation”. He also attacked Prime Minister Modi over the issue and said the Union and state governments should provide immediate relief and expedite the rescue efforts. Kharge also took a jibe at PM Modi for not visiting Manipur after the violence.
“Extremely concerned about the grim flood situation in Assam, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim. We do not expect PM Modi to visit Manipur, but the least he could do is extend help to the distressed people of Manipur and other NE states. Our deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. We expect the Union and the State Governments to provide immediate relief and expedite the rescue efforts,” Kharge said on X.
“While in Manipur, thousands are displaced as about 25,000 houses have been damaged. Over 2 lakh people have been affected in Assam. The situation is grim in the Barak Valley. Multiple landslides in Mizoram’s Aizawl district have claimed several lives. Tripura and Sikkim are also seeing flood-like situations with rising waters in the low-lying areas. I urge Congress workers to provide all possible assistance in the rescue and rehabilitation work and support those in distress,” he added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolence to the families of the deceased. He also urged his party leaders and workers to extend all possible support.
“Deeply concerned by the news of severe flash floods due to incessant rainfall in Manipur which has affected thousands of people, leaving them stranded or displaced. My heartfelt condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. I urge Congress leaders and workers to extend all possible support and assistance in rescue and rehabilitation work,” he said in a post on X.
Cyclone Remal flattened fragile dwellings, uprooted trees, and knocked down electric poles, with wind intensity reaching 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph. The Brahmaputra River, the Barak River, and its tributaries water levels are rising due to incessant rainfall in Assam, Mizoram, and some parts of other northeastern states.
Heavy rainfall has caused flooding in parts of Manipur, where two overflowing rivers have inundated several areas. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles conducted extensive relief and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas of Manipur.
Security forces deployed for internal security have swiftly responded by providing immediate relief and support to affected citizens. To date, the forces have successfully rescued over 4000 individuals from affected areas in Manipur, including over 1500 women and 800 children.
Manipur CM N Biren Singh thanked PM Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda for their messages.
“Thankful to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodiJi for promptly deploying the @NDRFHQ to assist the rescue operations and providing necessary assistance during this difficult time,” he stated on X.
He expressed gratefulness for the rescue operations being carried out by the NDRF forces and for assistance being provided to the state. He also said BJP workers are providing assistance to the affected people.
“The @NDRFHQ team dispatched by central government and the assistance from the central security forces have been instrumental in the ongoing rescue missions in the flood-affected areas of Manipur following the significant impact of Cyclone Remal on the region,” Biren Singh said in response to Amit Shah’s post.
“Under your guidance@BJP4Manipurstate units and karyakartas are working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected by Cyclone Remal,” he said in response to JP Nadda’s post.
Earlier on Thursday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh chaired a meeting with ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, security officials, and all department officials to review the flood situation in the state.
Cyclone Remal has also caused devastation across Tripura, with the power department reporting losses exceeding Rs 5 crore. Efforts to restore power in the state are underway. (Desk)
