10 dead, over 34,000 displaced as heavy rain causes flood in Tripura

Digital Desk: At least 10 people have lost their lives after heavy rainfall in Tripura's capital city, Agartala, led to severe flooding caused by the overflowing Gomati River, officials reported on Wednesday. 

The floods have resulted in the displacement of over 34,000 people, with 34,100 individuals from 6,620 families seeking shelter in 346 relief camps spread across eight districts of the state, according to an official from the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC).

The state revenue department confirmed that the fatalities were due to drowning and landslides, with two people reported injured. 

The affected areas include Dharmanagar in North Tripura, Kailashahar and Kumarghat in Unakoti district, Kamalpur, Longtraivalley, and Gandacherra in Dhalai district, Bishalgarh and Sonamura in Sepahijala, Teliamura and Khowai in Khowai district, Udaipur, Karbook, and Amarpur in Gomati district, and Sabroom, Belonia, and Santirbazaar in South Tripura district. 

Extensive areas in Sadar and Jirania sub-divisions in West Tripura district, including Agartala city, have also been heavily impacted, with widespread waterlogging and flood-like conditions.

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to evacuate people from vulnerable areas, as water levels in most rivers across the state have risen above danger levels, with some even reaching critical or expected flood levels. 

In response to concerns about the opening of floodgates at the Dumboor Dam, the reservoir of the Gumti hydro-electric power project in Gomati district, Tripura's power minister, Ratan Lal Nath, clarified that no such action was taken. The excessive water overflowed from the dam after the reservoir's holding capacity of 94 meters was exceeded. Nath reassured the public that there is no reason to panic and that the administration is fully aware of the situation.

In addition to flooding, landslides have been reported in several areas, including on national highways, which have been blocked by fallen trees due to the heavy rainfall. The situation has severely disrupted transportation and access to affected regions.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha visited the flood-affected areas on Wednesday to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts. He stated that officials in different districts are actively working to support those impacted by the floods and urged social organizations to assist in the crisis. "I urge all those who may be affected by the flooding to please cooperate with the authorities and move to the shelter houses immediately. Your safety is our top priority," CM Saha wrote on his official X account.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his condolences for the lives lost and urged both central and state governments to take immediate action for relief and rehabilitation. 

"Deeply concerned about the flood situation caused by heavy rainfall in Tripura where many people have lost their lives, and about 5,600 families have sought refuge in relief camps," Kharge stated, emphasizing the need for swift government intervention.