Severe Floods Devastate Tripura, Extensive Damage to Infrastructure
Tripura, India: In a devastating turn of events, widespread floods have wreaked havoc across Tripura, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The Public Works Department (PWD) has reported significant damage to roads, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure, with the total estimated loss amounting to an astounding ₹1825 crore—nearly six times the department’s annual maintenance budget.
Roads & Bridges
The floods have impacted a staggering 4,658.86 km of roads across the state, with landslides occurring at 4,644 locations and erosion at 3,739 sites. Despite the challenges, restoration efforts are underway, with 1,048 locations already seeing temporary fixes. Over 200 field engineers, alongside 1,850 laborers from 228 agencies, are actively working to restore normalcy. However, the scale of the damage, assessed at ₹1825 crore, highlights the long road to recovery.
Water Resources
The state’s water resources have also borne the brunt of the floods, with 11 major rivers, including the Gomati, Feni, and Haora, recording unprecedented water levels. The floods have surpassed extreme danger levels in all but one river, Juri. The damage extends to embankments, canals, and irrigation sources, with the total damage estimated at ₹625 crore.
In response to the crisis, over 3.50 lakh sandbags have been deployed, and 12,000 laborers have been working tirelessly to mitigate the damage. Despite these efforts, the extent of the damage is severe, with major breaches reported in key embankments and significant losses in irrigation infrastructure.
The Road Ahead
The situation remains critical, with extensive restoration work required to bring the state back to normalcy. The combined efforts of the PWD, local agencies, and the community are crucial in overcoming this disaster. As the state braces for the long-term recovery, the need for adequate resources and support from the central government is paramount.
