1. Severe flooding in Tripura since August 19 affects over 17 lakh people; 65,400 in shelters.
2. The death toll has reached 20 amid ongoing heavy rainfall.
3. Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey reports drastically increased river water levels due to continuous rainfall.
Agartala, Aug 22: Severe flooding in Tripura since August 19 has impacted over 17 lakh people, with 65,400 seeking shelter. The death toll has risen to 20.
According to Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey, continuous heavy rainfall has significantly increased river water levels.
On August 22, Tripura recorded exceptionally high rainfall: South Tripura (Bogafa: 493.6 mm), Sepahijala (Sonamura: 293.4 mm), West Tripura (Agartala: 233 mm), and Gomati (Udaipur: 155 mm).
Pandey noted that the entire state is severely affected, especially Gomati, South Tripura, Unakoti, and West Tripura Districts. This unprecedented situation is being monitored at the highest levels.
Also Read: Mamata Banerjee Urges PM Modi for Stronger Anti-Rape Laws
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha reviewed the relief efforts with senior officials, coordinating with central agencies like MHA, NDMA, Air Force, and NDRF. Relief camps have been set up for 65,400 people, and 450 camps are operational.
The river levels are above the danger mark in several districts. The flood has led to 14 confirmed deaths, with two missing, and six additional deaths reported due to a landslide in the South District.
The flood has damaged infrastructure: 844 broken poles, 151 damaged transformers, and 310 km of conductors. Landslides have affected 2,032 locations, with 1,789 cleared. Restoration is ongoing, with 153 dozers and 200 field engineers working tirelessly.
Transportation has been disrupted, with bus and rail services affected. Preliminary estimates indicate significant crop damage, with 5,000 ha of vegetables and 120,000 ha of paddy fields submerged.
The state has deployed 26 SDRF teams, 4 NDRF teams, and over 2,000 volunteers for rescue operations. The Indian government has provided two helicopters for airlifting stranded individuals and delivering aid.
The IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall and has issued a red alert for the state today and for four districts tomorrow.
