NE landslide, flash flood toll 24

IMD sounds red alert for states; educational institutions in Mizoram & Guwahati remain shut

- PRASANTA MAZUMDAR @Guwahati

AT least 24 people have been killed in last 24 hours as heavy rain triggered flash floods, landslides and widespread devastation across the northeastern states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for the states, warning of more downpours in the coming days.

According to officials, 18 deaths were reported on Saturday — nine from Arunachal Pradesh, five from Assam and four from Mizoram. On Friday, six people died — three in Meghalaya and one each in Nagaland, Mizoram and Tripura. Officials in Arunachal said seven people lost their lives when a landslide struck their vehicle, and it fell into a deep gorge. The deceased, including four children and two pregnant women, were from two families.