Agartala, Aug 28: An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), headed by B.C. Joshi, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs, held an important meeting with the officials in Agartala for evaluation of flood damages.
The central team has arrived in Agartala for an initial assessment of the recent flood impacts. The team included representatives from key sectors such as Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Water Resources, and Rural Development.
The State Government is providing full support to the central team, including detailed briefings and logistical assistance for their field assessments in flood-affected regions. All relevant departments have undertaken necessary preparations for this evaluation.
On Wednesday, the central team met with state officials, including secretaries Brijesh Pandey, Kiran Gitte, and Abhishek Singh, to discuss the situation.
Unprecedented rainfall from August 19-23, 2024, led to severe flooding across Tripura. Although the water level of the Gomati River at Sonamura has receded from its critical point, it remains above flood levels.
Currently, 369 relief camps are operational, accommodating over 53,356 individuals. The District Administration continues to provide essential relief services, including food, clean water, and medical aid. To date, more than 27,000 food packets have been distributed.
Relief efforts are underway with 3 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (TSR) and 2 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) actively working in Gomati and Sepahijala Districts. Additionally, around 500 Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra volunteers are involved in these operations.
The floods have resulted in 31 fatalities, 2 injuries, and 1 missing person.
In urban areas, over 32,000 people, representing about 8,000 families, have been evacuated and placed in shelters, where they are receiving food, water, and medical care.
Restoration work is ongoing for the 3 damaged Water Treatment Plants and 11 Deep Tube Wells in Agartala. Nine water tankers have been deployed to areas facing water shortages. Efforts to clear clogged pumps, streets, and restore normalcy are in progress.
To prevent waterborne diseases, extensive sanitation measures, including regular cleaning, disinfectant spraying, and hygiene maintenance in shelters, are being implemented. A waste management SOP for sanitation practices has been issued to urban local bodies. A preliminary damage estimate for assets in urban areas is approximately Rs. 306 crore.
In response to health concerns, doctors have visited relief camps 1,107 times, treating 35,477 individuals and conducting 1,650 health camps, screening over 45,000 people. The Health Department plans to procure 2 lakh ORS packets, 20 lakh halogen tablets, 10 lakh zinc tablets, and other essential medicines for continued disinfection and anti-diarrhea measures.