Friday, 20 September 2024
Friday, 20 September 2024
At least eight people have died and two are reported missing in Tripura following 48 hours of relentless rain that has inundated large areas of the state. More than 5,600 families have sought refuge in relief camps as water levels in four rivers have surpassed danger marks.
A number of areas were waterlogged as the state was lashed by heavy rain since Sunday.
The official said a red alert has been sounded in South Tripura district following the Meteorology department’s warning for moderate to heavy rain, while there was an orange alert in the remaining seven districts of the northeastern state.
Brijesh Pandey, Revenue Secretary, told reporters that the heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding, particularly in South Tripura and Gomati districts. He noted that Bagafa recorded 375.8 mm of rain, while Belonia received 324.4 mm and Amarpur saw 307.14 mm in the last 24 hours. As of 4 pm on Tuesday, the Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri and Khowai rivers were all flowing above the danger level.
The three members of a family died at Debipur in South Tripura district when their house collapsed due to a massive landslide on Monday night, Santirbazar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abhedananda Baidya told PTI.
In Gomati district, a 52-year-old man was killed and another went missing in Karbook area following a landslide on August 19, Additional District Magistrate Binoy Bhusan Das said.
A 14-year-old boy died when mounds of earth fell on his house in Champlai area in Khowai district on Monday, a police officer said.
The Government has established 183 relief camps across the state, accommodating 5,607 affected families. Of these camps, 24 are in West Tripura, 68 in Gomati, 30 in South Tripura, 39 in Khowai, and the rest are in the remaining districts.
The state disaster management authority has deployed 200 teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, the State Disaster Response Force, Fire Service, Border Security Force and the Tripura State Rifles to assist in rescue operations.
Authorities are providing essential services such as food, drinking water, and medical care in the relief camps. However, heavy rain has also triggered landslides, blocking major roads, including national highways. Efforts are underway to clear debris and restore connectivity.
Chandni Chandran, District Magistrate, Khowai, reported that two subdivisions in the district are severely affected, with the Khowai river exceeding danger levels. She advised residents to avoid fishing near the river and to stay away from landslide-prone areas.
In West Tripura, District Magistrate Vishal Kumar said three subdivisions have been affected, with Sadar being the most affected. Nine relief camps have been established, sheltering 100 families, and rescue operations are underway. “Boats are being used for the operation. The Haora river is near the danger mark. If it doesn’t rain again, the situation will be under control,” he added.
Tripura chief minister Manik Saha on Wednesday announced a two-day closure for all schools. "Due to the current situation and heavy rainfall, the government has declared a two-day closure for all schools on August 21st and 22nd. Additionally, all colleges will remain closed on August 21st. All students, teachers, and staff are requested to stay safe and follow the instructions", Saha wrote on his social media.
Tripura University also suspended all regular classes on August 21 due to heavy rainfall. "All the regular classes of Tripura University in all the Departments/Centres will remain suspended on 21st August, 2024 due to current situation and heavy rainfall", reads a notification signed by varsity's registrar in-charge Prof. Chinmoy Roy.
The situation remains critical in South Tripura, particularly in Shantirbazaar and Belonia, where residents are navigating deep waters.
The Public Works Department (PWD), Forest Department, and Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited are also working in coordination to restore essential services and clear road blockages caused by fallen trees.
Earlier in May this year, over 2,500 people became homeless and 550 houses were damaged due to cyclone ' remal'.
Earlier in July, two children including a 10-year-old child and a 5-year-old child were injured in mudslip in Gomati district.
In 2021, a man and two children were injured in landslides at separate places in South Tripura district.
In 2019, over 1,700 people were rendered homeless and nearly 822 houses were damaged in rainfall.
