Rescue operations in Bardahar village on the outskirts of Agartala braved the rain to move flood-affected people to safer places. (Image source: PTI)
Heavy rainfall has been reported in several parts of Tripura since Sunday, triggering landslides and floods.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday inspected flood-affected areas in Tripura capital Agartala and adjoining districts as the state received heavy rainfall in the past three days. He also met some families who were shifted to relief camps and shelter homes as low-lying areas in the city and other parts of the state experienced flooding due to heavy rains.
Chief Minister Saha posted on social media site
Field assessment of flood-affected areas in Agartala was conducted and shelters visited to understand the situation and ensure timely support to the needy. pic.twitter.com/AKlXNPXGZH— Prof. Manik Saha (PhD) (@DrManikSaha2) August 21, 2024
He said he had spoken to Home Minister Amit Shah and asked him to send more NDRF teams to support the state's flood response.
Talk to the Honorable Union Home Minister Shri @amitshah The third runner-up briefed him on the current severe flood situation. I also requested that additional NDRF teams be deployed to support our response efforts.
— Prof. Manik Saha (PhD) (@DrManikSaha2) August 21, 2024
The chief minister also shared pictures of his meeting with families who have been shifted to relief camps and shelters due to rising water levels. Reported by indian express Said that more than 34,000 people have sought shelter in over 346 relief camps opened across the state.
At least seven people, including three family members, were killed and two villagers missing after landslides triggered by incessant rains in Tripura state, a senior official said earlier on Tuesday.
Revenue Minister Brijesh Pandey said five deaths were reported in South Tripura district and one each in Gomati and Khowai districts casualties.
The chief minister had earlier said that schools will remain closed on August 21 and 22 due to heavy rainfall in the state.
The Met Office has issued a warning that more heavy rain is expected due to low pressure in the Bay of Bengal. The water levels of four rivers in the state – Howrah, Dalai, Muhuri and Howai – are above the danger level.
Heavy rainfall occurred in Bagafa, Bellonia and Amarpur in southern Tripura, and flash floods occurred in Chantil Bazar and other areas.
Parts of Agartala city were also temporarily flooded due to heavy rainfall. Farmers on the outskirts of Agartala are worried that the incessant rains may cause serious damage to their crops.
Congress president Malikajun Haq and former party president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the flood situation caused by heavy rains in Tripura and urged the Center and state governments to take immediate relief and rehabilitation measures.
They also urged congressional leaders and staff to provide all possible assistance to the victims.
“We are deeply concerned about the flood situation caused by heavy rains in Tripura, which has claimed many lives and around 5,600 families have taken shelter in relief camps. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Compensation must be provided to them at the earliest,” Ha Ge said in a post on X.
He said the central and state governments must take immediate relief and recovery measures.
“More NDRF and SDRF teams must be deployed in flood-affected areas. Food and medical assistance must be provided urgently. I urge Congressional leaders and staff to provide all possible assistance to the victims,” Hager said.
Gandhi said his heart went out to his brothers and sisters in Tripura who were forced to take shelter in relief camps due to devastating floods triggered by incessant rains and landslides.
“My deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. It is vital that federal and state governments urgently implement a comprehensive action plan to speed up rescue and recovery efforts and ensure adequate compensation for those affected ,” the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha posted on Facebook.
“I strongly urge Congress leaders and workers to extend their full support in any way possible. Please take care of yourself. We stand with you in this challenging time,” Gandhi said.
(Inputs from PTI)
