BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 26th March 2026: A one-day workshop on shelter house management during natural disasters was held today at Nazrul Kalakshetra here, organized by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of West Tripura.
The programme was conducted in view of the approaching monsoon season, when many low-lying areas face flooding. Officials such as shelter house in-charges, tehsildars, ward secretaries, and panchayat secretaries attended the training session to strengthen their preparedness for emergency situations.
A key focus of the workshop was on the safety of tribal communities living along the Howrah River basin. Every year, heavy rainfall leads to rising water levels, forcing many families to leave their homes and take shelter in government facilities. Speakers stressed that these shelters must be properly prepared to ensure safety and basic comfort.
During the session, several important aspects were discussed, including advance preparation of shelters, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring availability of essential supplies. Emphasis was also given to proper sanitation, supply of safe drinking water, food, and medicines to prevent health risks in crowded shelters.
The speakers highlighted minimum standards such as adequate space per person and sufficient water for drinking and hygiene. However, it was noted that these standards are often not fully met, especially in smaller buildings used as temporary shelters.
Referring to the 2024 flood situation, officials pointed out past shortcomings like lack of electricity, poor sanitation, and inadequate privacy. Special attention was urged for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and patients.
The workshop concluded with a call for better coordination and proactive efforts to ensure no one suffers during disasters.
