By TC News Desk
Agartala, 22nd August 2024: – In the wake of relentless rainfall, Tripura faces its worst flooding in decades, with more than 17 lakh residents affected and 20 confirmed dead. Thousands are seeking refuge in emergency shelters, as rivers swell and landslides wreak havoc across the state.
The deluge, which began on August 19, has caused widespread destruction, with the districts of Gomati, South Tripura, Unakoti, and West Tripura bearing the brunt of the disaster. According to Tripura’s Revenue Secretary, Brijesh Pandey, over 65,400 people are currently in relief camps, as floodwaters remain dangerously high in six districts, including Dhalai, Khowai, and North Tripura.
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, alongside senior state officials, is overseeing the massive rescue and relief efforts, aided by the central government, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), and several disaster management agencies. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are working around the clock to assist those in need, with additional NDRF personnel flown in from Arunachal Pradesh to bolster operations.
Infrastructure damage is severe, with thousands of utility poles and kilometers of power conductors destroyed. Roads have been rendered impassable due to landslides and erosion, particularly in the southern regions of the state. Though debris clearance is underway, progress remains slow as rains continue to pound the region. All railway services from Agartala and bus services from key hubs have been suspended.
The agricultural sector is also grappling with massive losses, as an estimated 1.2 lakh hectares of paddy fields and 5,000 hectares of vegetable crops lie submerged, threatening food security for the coming months.
Despite these challenges, the state government has established 450 relief camps providing emergency services, including food, water, and medical aid. Civil Defense volunteers, Aapda Mitra personnel, and over 2,000 other local workers are contributing to the relief efforts. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has deployed helicopters to airlift stranded residents and drop supplies in the hardest-hit areas of Gomati and South Tripura.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert across Tripura, predicting continued heavy rainfall over the next 24 hours. With more rain on the horizon, rescue operations remain critical as the state braces for further challenges.
