Mizoram Government Urges Rainwater Harvesting Amid Crisis

The Mizoram government has issued an urgent appeal to the public to harvest rainwater in response to significant damage sustained by pipelines and pumping systems due to relentless heavy rains and landslides.

The Public Health Engineering (PHE) department has indicated that Aizawl might experience water scarcity as continuous rainfall has heightened the turbidity and caused flooding in the Tlawng River, which serves as the primary water source for the state capital. The PHE department highlighted that the gravity pipelines and monoblock systems in Kolasib district have suffered extensive damage, affecting water supply in five towns.

Residents have been advised to be cautious with water usage and to maximize the use of rainwater where possible. The Tuivawl river, which is a main water source in the Khawzawl district, has been heavily contaminated, rendering the local treatment plant ineffective. Similar damage to gravity pipelines has been noted, prompting additional appeals for water conservation.

Further complicating the situation, flooding of the Tuichang River in the Hnahthial district has resulted in damage to both the raw water pump and control panel, disrupting both power and water supplies. Similar advisories have been issued in the Mamit and Siaha districts, where authorities have cited mechanical damage and flooding-related issues as causes of water supply interruptions.

According to data from the state emergency operation center of the Disaster Management and Rehabilitation Department, landslides and mudslides have been reported in 769 locations as of Thursday. Evacuations have been necessary for 452 families, 338 of whom have been displaced due to landslide risks, while 114 families have been evacuated due to flooding concerns. A total of 272 houses have either collapsed or been damaged due to the adverse weather conditions. Recent incidents of landslides, flooding, and house collapses, compounded by torrential rains, have tragically resulted in five fatalities, including three Myanmar refugees.

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