Mizoram flood: 30 houses swept away, 70 others damaged

Newmai News Network Aizawl | June 18   Even as the flooding of Khawthlangtuipui River in Tlabung sub-division of Mizoram’s Lunglei district bordering Bangladesh is gradually receding, many dwelling houses are still under water, sources from Tlabung said on Sunday.     A Tlabung based journalist Vanlalhriatpuia Khiangte said that at least 30 houses were swept away and over 70 others have been badly damaged in Tlabung sub-division area by the flash flood caused by incessant rains since June 12.     He said over 650 houses in many villages within Tlabung sub-division were inundated by the swelling of Khawthlangtuipui River and over 40 houses are still under water. Apart from dwelling houses, school buildings, church buildings, an indoor stadium, ICDS centres, waiting sheds, VC houses, slaughter houses and some tea stalls have also been submerged by the flash flood, he said.     The water level has crossed some feet above the danger mark.     The journalist said that over 1500 families within Tlabung sub-division have been affected by the flood. The flooding of Khawthlangtuipui river has also submerged some boats, paddy fields and border out posts, Khiangte said.     Meanwhile, several families have been evacuated to community halls, school buildings, MSU offices, bazar buildings, temples and government buildings, he added. While some of the affected families have returned to their houses, many are still staying in community halls as their houses need to be repaired, he added.     According to Khiangte, state health department and 159 battalion of Border Security Force (BSF) who are guarding the border took out rescue operation and provided free medical aids to the flood victims.     The flooding of Khawthlangtuipui River also wreaked havoc in Tlabung area disrupting power supply and drinking water supply. Many educational institutions have also been closed for one week.  The flash flood preceded by landslides also resulted in the death of ten people in the area.     Meanwhile, a Tlabung based Young Chakma Association (YCA) called community work on Monday to repair and re-construct houses that have been damaged by the flash flood.