As the rest of the country grapples with the unending coronavirus pandemic, and debates the stand-off along the LAC, Mizoram has had to deal with three calamities.
In the last week alone, three earthquakes have struck the Northeastern state, damaging many buildings, including a Church, as well as forming cracks in the state highway.
The latest of these earthquakes struck early this morning and measured a 5.3 on the Richter scale. Another quake, reports said, shook Mizoram 12 hours prior. The tremors were felt in the capital Aizawl, as well as many other parts of the state.
An earthquake of magnitude 5.0 on the Richter scale hit 98 km south-east (SE) of Champhai in Mizoram at around 7:29 pm today: National Center for Seismology2,7408:19 PM – Jun 18, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy373 people are talking about this
No casualties were reported, but a few images of the destruction caused by the successive earthquakes were shared online including by Chief Minister Zoramthanga.
Two earthquakes rocked #Mizoram within a span of 12 hours.
Damage assessment undertaken by concerned MLA and district administration.
Fortunately, no casualties reported so far.
Thanking the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister for their assurance of support.
64711:53 AM – Jun 22, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy164 people are talking about this
Licypriya Kangujam✔@LicypriyaK
My thoughts & prayers with the People of Mizoram. Im sure big one is coming to shake India soon. Scientists says the vast majority of big earthquakes come soon after smaller ones. Series of frequent light earthquakes is sending a strong signal to humanity. Be prepared!
12712:19 PM – Jun 22, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy27 people are talking about this
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his support to the state, and promised to provide all assistance from the Centre.
Spoke to the Chief Minister of Mizoram, Shri @ZoramthangaCM Ji on the situation in the wake of the earthquake there. Assured all possible support from the Centre.56.1K10:03 AM – Jun 22, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy6,663 people are talking about this
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, too, took to Twitter to say that he had spoken to the chief minister of Mizoram on the phone to extend a hand of support.
I have spoken to Shri @ZoramthangaCM ji, Chief Minister of Mizoram, to review the situation after the earthquake tremors in the state. I assured him all possible support from the central government. Praying for everyones safety and well-being.19.5K10:57 AM – Jun 22, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacy2,323 people are talking about this
Still it wasnt hard to notice that the consecutive calamities in the Northeast werent met with the usual outpouring of support thats expected from social media.
Earlier this month cyclones that hit both Bengal and Maharashtra and Gujarat were dissected in detail online. Many social media users and politicians pledged donations to those worst affected by the natural disaster, while tributes poured in from all quarters.
But for Mizoram, it seems even three earthquakes in one week hasnt been enough to stir the rest of the country into action. As the state prepares to rebuild some of its damaged buildings, it may be time to direct some thoughts and prayers their way.
This article is published in Arre