Agartala, Aug 21: The flood situation in Tripura has taken a severe turn following continuous downpours since Monday.
With all major rivers flowing close to the danger mark, the state is grappling with severe floods and landslides, leading to multiple casualties and displacing thousands of residents.
The heavy rainfall has prompted district administrations to initiate emergency measures, including providing shelter, food, and essential supplies to those affected. Emergency response teams are working tirelessly, navigating treacherous waters to save lives and minimize damage.
In a significant development, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha held a crucial conversation with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday, briefing him on the worsening situation.
The Chief Minister urged the Union Home Minister to dispatch additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to bolster the ongoing relief efforts. In response, the Union Home Minister assured all necessary support to the state.
Dr. Saha also called on social organizations, NGOs, and citizens to remain vigilant and contribute actively to relief operations during this critical period. Given the grim weather forecasts, the State Government has announced a two-day closure for all schools on August 21 and 22 and for colleges on August 21.
In a bid to manage the increasing water levels, one of the three flap gates of the Dumboor Dam has been opened, releasing water from the reservoir.
Meanwhile, the Khowai district administration has issued a red alert as water levels in the Khowai River continue to rise, leading to the imposition of restrictions on vehicle movement near river embankments. Only ambulances, rescue vehicles, and those carrying essential goods or disaster response officials are permitted to use these roads.
In the state capital, Agartala, nearly all major roads have been submerged, disrupting the daily life.
The situation has grown so dire that Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha himself was forced to use boat from his residence, which has been surrounded by floodwaters. DIG Tripura, Krishnendu Chakravertty, was seen managing the situation on the ground near the CM's residence.
The flooding has severely impacted areas such as Chandrapur, Baldakhal, Kashipur, and Reshambagan, with residents being evacuated by boat.
Over the past 24 hours, West Tripura district recorded an astonishing 182 mm of rainfall, with an additional 123 mm recorded between 8:30 am and 12 pm on Wednesday.
The continuous rainfall, driven by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, has caused extensive damage across the state. The administration has deployed disaster response forces, including NDRF and TSR units, to the most affected areas, such as Chandrapur, Aaraliya, and Baldakhal, where rescue operations are in full swing.
With more rainfall predicted, authorities are urging the public to stay alert and follow safety advisories. The state remains on high alert as it faces one of the most severe flood crisis in recent years.
In the meantime, the water level of the Gomati River has crossed extreme danger level. The administration is working tirelessly to evacuate affected individuals to safe zones.