Kolasib district evacuations amid heavy rainfall and landslides

Persistent monsoon rainfall in Mizoram has triggered fears of flooding and landslides across the Kolasib district, leading to the evacuation of several families from vulnerable areas.

The Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation (DM&R) Department reported that at least 13 families in Saihapui ‘K’ were moved to safer locations due to rising waters in the Tuichhuahen river. In Pangbalkawn village, three additional families were evacuated after landslides left their homes in precarious conditions. In Kolasib town, a landslide completely destroyed a house in the Khuangpuilam locality, though no casualties were reported as the building was being used for temporary accommodation.

District officials noted that waterlogging is a primary concern for residents. Panic regarding a potential dam overflow at the 12-MW Serlui ‘B’ Small Hydro Electricity Project led some families in North Chawnpui to flee; however, officials stated no such incident has occurred and suggested social media content, including AI-generated videos of floods in Nepal, contributed to the apprehension. The heavy rains have also caused road blockages, damaged electricity poles, and disrupted telecommunications throughout the state.