By TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th August 2024: The recent floods in Tripura have severely impacted the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state, with preliminary damage assessments estimating losses at approximately Rs. 306 crore.
Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey addressed the media, reporting that 369 relief camps are currently operational, providing shelter to over 53,356 individuals across the state. The District Administration continues to deliver essential relief, including food, drinking water, and medical assistance. To date, over 27,000 food packets have been distributed.
Emergency response efforts include 3 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (TSR) and 2 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) working in the Gomati and Sepahijala districts. Around 500 volunteers from Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra are also engaged in relief operations.
The floods have claimed 31 lives, with 2 people injured and 1 reported missing. Urban areas have faced significant disruptions, but evacuation efforts have been extensive, with around 8,000 families and 32,000 individuals safely moved to shelters where they have received food, water, and medical care.
Restoration work is underway in Agartala, where all 3 Water Treatment Plants and 11 Deep Tube Wells that were damaged have been repaired. Nine water tankers have been deployed to areas with limited drinking water supply. De-clogging and de-watering efforts are also in progress to clear city streets and restore normalcy.
To prevent the spread of waterborne diseases, the authorities have ensured regular cleaning of toilets, bleaching, disinfectant spraying, and maintaining hygienic conditions in shelters. A Waste Management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for ULBs to follow.
In response to health concerns, doctors have conducted 1,107 visits to relief camps, treating 35,477 individuals and holding 1,650 health camps. The Health Department is procuring 2 lakh ORS packets, 20 lakh halogen tablets, 10 lakh zinc tablets, and other necessary medicines for disinfection and anti-diarrhea measures.
An Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) led by B. C. Joshi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has arrived in Agartala for an on-the-spot assessment. The IMCT includes officials from Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Water Resources, and Rural Development sectors. The State Government is providing all necessary assistance to the IMCT, including briefings and support for their field visits to affected areas.
