MELTHUM, INDIA – Heavy rains triggered by a tropical storm led to a devastating stone quarry collapse in India’s northeastern state of Mizoram on Tuesday, claiming the lives of 13 workers and leaving 16 others missing. The incident occurred near the state capital, Aizwal, as rescue teams raced against time to find survivors.
Senior police officer Rahul Alwal reported that rescuers managed to recover the bodies of the deceased from the quarry in Melthum, approximately 3.7 miles from Aizwal. Amidst the rubble, two workers were found alive and pulled to safety. Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining trapped workers.
Mizoram is home to numerous stone quarries that supply essential raw materials for road and building construction. However, the industry has faced scrutiny for often operating without the necessary environmental clearances, raising concerns about safety and regulatory compliance.
The collapse follows a series of similar incidents in the region, highlighting the persistent risks faced by quarry workers. Last year, seven workers perished in a quarry collapse in Mamit town, and in 2022, another 12 workers lost their lives in a similar tragedy.
Tropical storm Remal made landfall in Bangladesh on Monday, causing recent heavy rainfall in northeastern India. Due to the ongoing severe weather conditions, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings about the potential for further damage, including landslides and structural collapses.
As rescue operations continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and better enforcement to protect workers in the quarrying industry. The community and authorities are left grappling with the aftermath of yet another preventable disaster.