The state of Tripura has been grappling with severe floods caused by continuous and unprecedented rainfall from August 19 to 23, 2024. Despite a slight decrease in rainfall over the past three days, the situation remains critical, particularly in the Gomati River at Sonamura, where water levels are still above the danger mark.
The highest recorded rainfall in the last 24 hours was 38 mm at Panisagar. However, the impact of the earlier deluge continues to wreak havoc across the state. The State Government has requested the Government of India to dispatch an advance Inter-Ministerial Central Team to Tripura for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage. This move is seen as essential for facilitating the state’s submission of a Memorandum for additional support needed for restoration works.
Relief operations are in full swing, with three teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and five teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) actively working in the most affected areas, particularly in Gomati and Sepahijala Districts. Around 500 volunteers from Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra have also been deployed, tirelessly assisting in rescue and relief efforts.
As of today, 471 relief camps have been set up by the District Administration, providing shelter to more than 70,000 displaced individuals. Essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and medical aid are being provided continuously. Additionally, clothes have been distributed to around 150 people in the Amarpur Karbook Sub-Division.
Tragically, the floods have claimed 26 lives, with two people injured and one person still reported missing. Preliminary reports indicate extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, buildings, power lines, and embankments, as well as significant losses in agriculture, livestock, and housing. The District Disaster Management Authorities, under the leadership of District Magistrates and Collectors, have been instructed to conduct a detailed assessment of the damage. This assessment is currently underway.
The State Government has assured citizens that it will continue to work relentlessly in close coordination with various state departments and central agencies to mitigate the disaster’s impact.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a Yellow Alert for South Tripura District, warning of likely heavy rainfall in one or two places over the next 24 hours, signaling that the state is not yet out of danger.
