AIZAWL: Ten people died and about seven others feared dead when nine buildings at Laipuitlang locality in Aizawl collapsed around 3:00 AM Saturday following torrential downpour accompanied by cyclonic storm.
Five people were rescued from the debris while efforts were on for other missing persons, believed to be seven in number.
An abandoned public works department (PWD) quarters that stood at the top of the hillside collapsed sweeping the 11 residential house below including a local church.
Chief Minister Lalthanhawla visited the site on Saturday morning before he l and assured all possible relief measures for the victims. He also informed the central government of the incident, an official statement said.
Police said one Zakir Hussein was said to be still alive among the debris till 1:00 AM Saturday. However, his voice was heard no more later in the afternoon.
There were also reports of two of the trapped victims still answering their cell phone but sources said they have stopped answering calls and are feared dead.
The State Disaster Response Team stopped resue operation and will continue to do so on Sunday morning. Rescue operation could not be carried out fast due to lack of equipment and difficult terrain, police said.
The surrounding houses which were not swept away have been vacated for safety reasons.
Landslides were reported from other parts of Aizawl and other districts.
The landslides have caused a number of road blocks and many districts have been cut off from Aizawl.
Power transmission lines were snapped in many places, while telecommunications including mobile connections were also severely affected. (Agencies)
