Agartala, 29 August 2024 : The state of Tripura is grappling with severe floods following continuous and extremely heavy rainfall from August 19 to 23, 2024. The unprecedented downpour has resulted in widespread disruption and significant damage across the region.
As of today, 369 relief camps are operational, providing shelter to over 53,356 affected people. The District Administration is ensuring the provision of essential services such as food, drinking water, and medical assistance in these camps. So far, over 27,000 food packets have been distributed. Three teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with approximately 500 volunteers, are actively engaged in relief operations in the most affected districts, Gomati and Sepahijala.
Tragically, 31 lives have been lost, and two people are injured, while one person remains missing. The situation continues to be closely monitored, with the Chief Minister and Secretary of the Relief, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Department holding regular review meetings to ensure swift response and recovery efforts.
The urban areas have been particularly hard-hit, with significant infrastructure damage. Over 32,000 people, comprising around 8,000 families, have been evacuated to safety. Critical infrastructure, including three water treatment plants and 11 deep tube wells, has been restored to ensure the supply of drinking water. De-clogging and de-watering efforts are ongoing to bring the city back to normalcy.
To prevent the spread of water-borne diseases, authorities have intensified sanitization measures, including regular cleaning, bleaching, and spraying of disinfectants in shelter camps. The Health Department is also set to procure large quantities of ORS packets, halogen tablets, zinc tablets, and other medicines to tackle potential health crises.
An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), led by Shri B. C. Joshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, has arrived in Agartala to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the flood damage. The state government has committed to providing full assistance to the team, with all departments already undertaking preparatory steps for the assessment and recovery processes.
Despite the challenges, Tripura remains resilient and is committed to rebuilding a safer and more robust future for all its residents.
