Mizoram CM directs officials to provide immediate relief to earthquake victims

Guwahati: Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Friday chaired a meeting on earthquake resilience in the aftermath of several tremors that have jolted the state over the past 2 weeks.

The CM said relief materials will be provided to the families affected by the quakes in three districts of the Northeastern state -- Champhai, Saitaul, and Serchhip -- which have reported damages due to the quakes. 

Officials of the state disaster management and rehabilitation department said that the number of people affected by the natural calamity is being ascertained. The CM directed officials of the department to provide immediate relief to the affected families.

A 5.1-magnitude tremor rocked Saitaul district at 4:16 pm on June 21, followed by a 5.3-magnitude earthquake in neighboring Champhai district at 4.10 am the next day. Another quake of magnitude 4.6 occurred on June 18 in an area 98 kilometers southeast of Champhai town.

Officials said that the quakes damaged more than 60 structures, including church buildings and other properties, in various areas of Champhai district. On June 23, an earthquake of magnitude 3.7 struck Serchhip district, while a 4.1 magnitude tremor jolted the Champhai district again on June 24, according to the National Centre for Seismology.

Champhai district also witnessed at least six aftershocks between June 23 and June 24. A series of tremors of varied intensity jolted Mizoram between June 18 and 24. Although no casualty was reported, the earthquakes caused damages to houses and roads in districts.

Last night at 21:35:11, another 4.5 magnitude earthquake was reported 295km SSE of Champhai, Mizoram, India. The earthquake originated at latitude 20.96 and longitude 94.32 at a depth of 68km.

Also watch: Murder in Betjan Tea Estate; Chowkidaar found murdered