Lawngtlai, May 31,2025, Virthli: Several buildings in Lawngtlai town of Mizoram collapsed on Friday morning due to heavy rains and landslides, prompting a large-scale rescue operation led by local authorities, the Central Young Lai Association (CYLA), and security forces. The incident occurred around 10:45 a.m. in Bazar Veng and Chandmary Veng, two densely populated areas of the town.
According to initial reports, six buildings were severely damaged due to ongoing landslides triggered by continuous rainfall. While the exact number of casualties remains unknown, one injured person has been pulled out alive so far, and another is believed to be trapped, as per updates from the District Disaster Management Team (DDMT).
The affected buildings include properties owned by Pi Vanlalhlupuii Fanai, Pu B. Vanhnuailiana, and Pu C. Lalchungnunga in Bazar Veng, and Pi C. Nihluani, along with two relatives of Pu F. Rothuama, in Chandmary Veng. Several of these structures were multi-storey buildings constructed on hill slopes and reportedly housed both residences and commercial establishments, including a hotel and hardware stores.
Preliminary information suggests that the collapsed buildings were home to around five to eight individuals, many of whom are believed to be migrant workers from Myanmar’s Rakhine State who had come to Lawngtlai for work.
The CYLA Response Team, in coordination with 3rd IR Battalion, Assam Rifles, and the DDMT, has been working tirelessly to clear debris and search for survivors. Due to the unstable terrain and continued rainfall, rescue work has been extremely challenging, and more landslides are feared.
Authorities have issued a high alert across the town, especially in landslide-prone areas near National Highway 502A and Electric Veng, where road access has been cut off due to soil slippage. Traffic movement on the highway has come to a standstill as mud and debris have blocked major routes.
Local volunteers, members of YLA branches, and community leaders have also joined the rescue efforts, with emergency response continuing into Saturday morning. Operations resumed at 7:00 a.m. today, with teams focused on clearing debris and locating any missing persons.
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Notably, the area has a history of landslide-related disasters. The same region experienced severe destruction in 1992 and again in 1995, raising concerns about the long-term safety of hill-based construction. Despite repeated warnings, some buildings have continued to be constructed in vulnerable zones, including the now-collapsed structure belonging to Pi Vanlalhlupuii, which had reportedly been previously damaged and rebuilt.
As of now, rescue and relief work is ongoing, with local authorities urging residents in risky areas to evacuate immediately and remain alert.
