Flood Situation Improves in Tripura; 1.17 Lakh People in Relief Camps

Agartala: The flood situation in Tripura improved on Sunday, with water levels receding in many areas. However, 1.17 lakh people remain sheltered in 525 relief camps across various districts. The state has experienced its worst flooding in over three decades, resulting in at least 31 fatalities, including women and children. Since August 19, six of the eight districts—South Tripura, Gomti, West Tripura, Sipahijala, Unakoti, and Khowai—have been affected by landslides and flooding. Two individuals are reported missing.

Disaster Management Officers estimate the damage caused by the heavy rains and floods to be around Rs 15,000 crore. Initial reports indicate that approximately 20,300 houses have been partially or completely damaged due to the rains, landslides, and floods. Over 17 lakh people have been affected across the state. Landslides have impacted 2,066 locations, damaging several major highways, including National Highway-8. Most highways are being gradually restored.

Currently, five teams from the National and State Disaster Response Forces, along with 500 volunteers from Civil Security and Disaster Friends, are engaged in relief and rescue operations. They have distributed 27,000 food packets in Gomti and South Tripura districts. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected at isolated places in Tripura until Monday, with a ‘Red Alert’ issued for South Tripura and an ‘Orange Alert’ for Dhalai and Gomti districts. The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has canceled several local trains due to damage to railway tracks in Gomti and South Tripura districts.