Tripura Floods: 7 Dead, Thousands Affected; Schools Closed for Two Days

The rising water levels in multiple rivers mainly Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri, and Khowai have caused widespread flooding, with more rainfall predicted over the next two days

At least seven people have lost their lives, and thousands have been affected across Tripura due to flash floods triggered by over 48 hours of incessant rainfall. Schools have been closed today and tomorrow and colleges have been shut today.

The rising water levels in multiple rivers mainly Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri, and Khowai have caused widespread flooding, with more rainfall predicted over the next two days, according to the weather office.

As per reports, among the deceased, one person was from Khowai district, another from Gomati district, and five from South Tripura district. Additionally, two people have been reported missing from Gomati and Khowai districts. Over 200 rescue teams, including personnel from the SDRF, NDRF, Civil Defence Volunteers, and Fire and Emergency Services, are actively involved in relief and rescue operations.

Brijesh Pandey, IAS Secretary of the State Relief and Disaster Management Department, announced in a press conference on August 20 that the district administrations have opened 183 relief camps across the state, providing shelter to 5,607 affected families. The relief camps are spread across West Tripura, Gomati, South Tripura, and Khowai districts, with the remaining camps in other flood-hit areas.

As per reports, the relief camps are being equipped with essential services, including food, drinking water, and medical aid. District Magistrates, along with Secretary (RR & DM) and the Chief Secretary, are closely monitoring the situation. Sub-Divisional Magistrates and officers from key departments such as Water Resources, Power, PWD, Forest, Police, Fire Service, and paramilitary forces are working around the clock to mitigate the impact of the floods and provide necessary relief.

Heavy rainfall has also triggered landslides, causing road blockages due to fallen trees. Efforts are being made to clear the roads, and there are reports of significant damage to homes and livestock across the state.

In light of the current situation, the government has declared a two-day closure of all schools on August 21 and 22, while colleges will remain closed on August 21. Authorities have urged students, teachers, and staff to stay safe and adhere to official guidelines.

Important Announcement ⬇️

Due to the current situation and heavy rainfall, the government has declared a two-day closure for all schools on August 21st and 22nd. Additionally, all colleges will remain closed on August 21st. All students, teachers, and staff are requested to stay…

— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) August 21, 2024

Reportedly, Chief Minister Manik Saha, convened an emergency review meeting to assess the flood situation and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing relief measures. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary JK Sinha, Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan, and Brijesh Pandey, participated in the meeting. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among all departments to ensure public safety and the efficient distribution of relief materials.

Immediately after returning from Delhi, I chaired a review meeting with senior officials to assess the current flood situation across the state.

All the officials have been instructed to leave no stone unturned to ensure timely support and relief to the affected people. pic.twitter.com/FzhTWF9zB7

— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) August 20, 2024

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to monitor vulnerable areas closely, initiate evacuation procedures as needed, and ensure that essential services such as healthcare, drinking water, and transportation are maintained without disruption.

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