Agartala, September 11, 2024: The state of Tripura is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented floods caused by extremely heavy and continuous rainfall between August 19 and 23, 2024. The floods have resulted in significant loss of life, property, and infrastructure, prompting a large-scale relief and restoration effort by the state administration.
Relief Operations in Full Swing
Currently, 67 relief camps are still operational across various districts, sheltering 3,873 people affected by the floods. The district administration is actively providing essential relief such as food, drinking water, and medical assistance to those in need. To prevent any outbreak of waterborne diseases, authorities are ensuring regular cleaning of toilets, disinfection spraying, and maintaining hygienic conditions in these camps.
Casualties and Compensation
The floods have claimed 36 lives, with 22 deaths due to landslides, 13 from drowning, and 1 from a house collapse. Among the deceased, 23 were males, 7 females, and 6 children. One person remains missing. The state government has provided full ex-gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh each in 26 cases and partial payments in 7 cases, amounting to a total of Rs 104.85 lakh disbursed so far. The remaining cases are expected to be compensated shortly.
Extensive Damage to Houses and Infrastructure
A total of 62,205 houses have been reported damaged, including 8,830 fully damaged and 8,978 severely damaged homes. Interim relief amounting to Rs 11.92 crore has been provided to 10,483 affected households. Restoration work is progressing, with a focus on returning normalcy to the affected areas.
Education, Food, and Road Restoration Efforts
All schools and colleges in the state are operational, with attendance returning to normal levels. Around 20,000 books have been distributed to students, and mid-day meal kitchens are functioning in all schools. The Chief Minister’s Relief Package includes free rations of 10 kg per ration card for two months, which will be distributed within the next 10 days.
The Public Works Department (PWD) is working to restore the 1,664 damaged roads. So far, 81 roads have been fully restored, and work is underway on 187 roads. The department aims to complete major road restoration and repairs by October 5, 2024.
Water Resources, Health, and Power Restoration
The state has reported damage to 1,136 lift irrigation schemes, of which 140 have been restored, and work is in progress on 426 schemes. The target is to restore 972 schemes before the winter cropping season.
The Health Department has conducted 2,632 health camps, treating 1,10,289 persons in flood-affected areas. No outbreak of waterborne or skin diseases has been reported, and there is an adequate supply of medicines.
Power supply has been restored to all subdivisions and divisions, with Amarpur, Santirbazar, Sabroom, and Udaipur achieving 95-98% restoration. Full restoration is expected by the end of this week.
Drinking Water and Review Meeting
Approximately 98% of households have functional piped drinking water facilities. The remaining households in Jirania, Bishalgarh, Udaipur, Amarpur, Belonia, and Sabroom are expected to receive water supply within a week.
The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tripura held a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat today, where he commended the efforts of all departments and district collectors for their swift response during the floods. He emphasized the need to maintain the same vigor in the ongoing restoration work.
Directions for Future Action
The Chief Minister has issued specific instructions to ensure quality food, health, and hygiene in relief camps, expedite compensation for damaged houses, and finalize the memorandum for final damage assessment to be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, within the week. The state is also focusing on devising medium and long-term plans for restoration.
Financial Package for Relief and Restoration
The Tripura government had earlier announced a financial package of Rs. 564 crores for immediate relief and restoration activities. Following discussions with departmental secretaries and the Finance Department, the package was finalized to ensure adequate funding for restoration efforts.
The administration remains committed to rebuilding and restoring normalcy for all affected citizens, ensuring that all necessary support is provided in the aftermath of this devastating flood.
