Tripura floods more than 34000 people displaced

Tripura is facing its worst flooding in 30 years. Four days of rain have claimed 10 lives and forced over 34,000 people to abandon their homes. The state government, led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, has declared a state of emergency and requested urgent assistance from the central government.

As the flood situation worsens and night falls, my thoughts are with the people of #Tripura who are struggling to stay safe. But my prayers are not just for their safety, but also for the government to realize its failures.

The floods are not just a natural disaster, but a… pic.twitter.com/FjOiFfv4Vb

— Szarita Laitphlang,ज़रिता लैतफलांग (@szarita) August 21, 2024

Tripura facing worst flooding in 3 decades

As of Thursday evening, official reports indicate that 34,100 people from 6,620 families have sought refuge in 346 relief camps across eight districts of Tripura. The flood's impact has been severe in Khowai, West Tripura, Gomati, and South Tripura.

An official from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) revealed the extent of the housing damage, "Our latest reports show that 1,056 houses have been affected across the state. This includes 82 fully damaged structures, 311 severely damaged, and 663 partially damaged dwellings."

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha is leading crisis management efforts. He announced that Union Home Minister Amit Shah pledged substantial support from the central government. "Eleven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh will be dispatched to Tripura," Saha stated. "The Home Minister has also assured to airlift affected individuals to safety if necessary."

The Chief Minister's commitment to the crisis was evident when he travelled by boat from his residence to his office, as large parts of the capital city Agartala, including areas near his home, were submerged.

The rising water levels in the Gomati River, surpassing the extreme danger mark, have intensified evacuation efforts in low-lying areas.

"We urge all residents in flood-prone areas to cooperate with rescue teams and move to shelter houses immediately," Chief Minister Saha emphasized in a social media post. "Your safety is our utmost priority."

Schools remain closed

Flooding has brought normal life to a standstill in Tripura. All schools will remain closed for two days, on August 21 and 22. Colleges and Tripura University have also suspended classes and regular academic activities.

The Directorate of Medical Education had to postpone counselling for GNM and ANM courses, rescheduling for August 27 and 28.

Rescue teams are evacuating people from danger zones. Local authorities have opened 336 relief camps across districts to provide shelter and basic necessities.

A resident from Udaipur, evacuating by boat, shared his plight with reporters, "We've been in trouble for three days. Most of our houses were flooded. We don't know what to do or where to go. We have domestic animals to think about too. Now we're heading to the railway station for protection."

Amid the crisis, rumours surfaced about floodgates being opened at the Dumboor dam and the Gumti hydroelectric power project site in the Gomati district. Power Minister Ratan Lal Nath addressed these concerns, clarifying that no gates had been opened manually.

"The reservoir can hold water up to 94 meters," Nath explained. "When the water exceeds this, it automatically escapes through the spillway. There's no need for alarm. The administration is aware and taking precautions."

Chief Minister Saha visited the Integrated Command Control System (ICCS) at the IT Bhawan. This central hub coordinates government agencies involved in rescue and relief operations.

As the state battles this natural calamity, the Chief Minister has called for unity and cooperation. "I thank public representatives, social workers, and the people for cooperating with the State Government in this crisis," Saha said.

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