Aizawl: The capital city of Mizoram, Aizawl had experienced incessant rains for two days, causing landslides in various parts of the city.
On Monday night, two families in the Chawnpui locality moved their belongings out of their houses and sought temporary shelter after the soil below their homes became loose due to the rains. Similar temporary evacuations took place in different parts of the city due to perceived risks.
Until Tuesday morning, no casualties were reported. However, around 6 am, news quickly spread on social media, asking for prayers for Isak Chhangte, Lalrinthari, and their daughter Abigail Lalchhanhimi. A portion of their concrete house in Zemabawk locality, had been buried in the landslide, and their bodies were initially unaccounted for. By 10:30 am, it was reported that their bodies had been recovered.
At around 10:50 am, police officials released a report stating, “Information received at 6:10 AM this morning, that a landslide occurred above F. Lalrokima’s house at Zemabawk High School Veng, Aizawl. The eastern side of his house, used as a bedroom for Lalrokima’s son’s family, was covered by the landslide, trapping Lalrokima’s son, son’s wife, and son’s daughter inside…Inquest proceedings are underway.”
“He always had a smile on his face, and he was the kind of man you could describe as a gentleman,” Sangpuii, a friend of Isak Chhangte, told EastMojo.
Isak was a driver, and Lalrinthari was a housewife. A funeral for the family will be held tomorrow.
Rosalyn Hrangchal, a close family friend of Isak Chhangte, who is much older than the deceased, reminisced, “I knew him as a child. He was very obedient and playful. Though he went through his adolescent stage like any other young teen, he always stayed obedient to his mother even after he became a father.”
“As he grew older, Isak became a strong and caring man who deeply loved those around him. He treated his mother like a princess, and she depended on him greatly. His loss will be profound for her,” she added.
Lalropari Pachuau, another close friend of the family, shared her memories of Lalrinthari, “We called her Nu-i. She had a radiant smile that could light up a room, and her chatty nature made everyone feel welcome. She was incredibly hardworking. Nu-I had a unique gift for making friends effortlessly, and any room she entered was instantly filled with warmth, cheer, and happiness.”
The Chief Minister of Mizoram, Lalduhoma, quickly took to social media to share his condolences, expressing his pity for the deceased and offering his sympathies to the family they left behind, praying for God’s comfort to be with them. He also praised the efforts of DM & R, Aizawl DDMA, QRT, and the Central YMA, along with the YMA branches, for their roles in recovering the bodies.
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Former Chief Minister of Mizoram, Zoramthanga, also took to Instagram to share his condolences. Church organizations, YMA members, and disaster management staff quickly reached the site to assist in rescue operations. MNF MLA Lalchhandama Ralte and members of the Mizo National Youth Front visited the disaster site, providing financial support to the volunteers and donating silpoline for necessary use.
The affected localities in Aizawl include Zemabawk, Zuangtui, Venglai, Salem, and Chawnpui. The Chief Minister’s Relief Fund was distributed to the volunteers engaged in rescue operations as follows: Zemabawk received Rs. 30,000, Zuangtui received Rs. 50,000, Venglai received Rs. 5,000 (as Venglai is primarily managed by PWD and P&E), Salem received Rs. 30,000, and Chawnpui received Rs. 10,000.
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