In response to the current flood situation the secretary of the Revenue department Brijesh Pandey spoke about the situation and measures taken on the part of the government in this regard today at a press meet at the Press Conference Hall, Civil Secretariat. He informed that due to incessant rainfall over the past 48 hours (19/08/2024 to 20/08/2024), water levels of rivers in Tripura have inflated significantly leading to flooding in many areas. Significantly high level of rainfall occurred in Bokafa (375.8mm) and Belonia (324.4mm) South Tripura and Amarpur (307.1mm) of Gomati in last 24 hours. As a result South Tripura & Gomati districts have been badly affected. Four rivers namely Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri and Khowai are flowing above the danger level as at 4.00 pm. The revenue secretary also informed that the Chief Minister has been taking stock of the flood situation on regular basis from New Delhi. He will also be taking a review meeting on the flood situation today in the evening on his return from New Delhi.
The District Administration has opened a total of 183 relief camps for providing shelter to 5607 affected families in the State. Out which, 24 relief camps are in West Tripura District, 68 relief camps in Gomati District, 30 relief camps in South Tripura District & 39 relief camp in Khowai District have been opened. Rest camps are in remaining four districts. The District & Sub-Divisional administrations are providing necessary facilities, including food, drinking water, medical etc. in these relief camps. The situation is being closely monitored by respective DM’s at district level and Secretary (RR & DM) and the Chief Secretary at a state level. So far more than 200 rescue teams have been deployed. The SDM’s & officers from line departments namely RD (BDOs). Water resources, Power, PWD (R & B), Forest, Police, Fire Service & Paramilitary Forces are working round the clock to mitigate the impact of floods and provide relief and rescue operations to affected families.
The heavy and extreme rainfall has triggered landslides in many areas. Road blockades due to fallen trees have happened in many places. The same are being removed on regular basis. There are reports of damages to houses and livestocks. The field assessments for the same has started and will be completed soon. Thereafter relief will be provided to affected families. Unfortunately, 7 persons (Khowai-1, South Tripura-5 & Gomati-1) have reportedly lost their lives due to landslides/drowning. Further, 2 person are missing, one each in Gomati and Khowai District.
Secretary Revenue Department also told, more than 200 teams of SDRF(TSR), NDRF, Civil Defence Volunteers, Aapda Mitra Volunteers, Fire and Emergency Services, Forest, TSECL, PWD(WR), PWD (R&B), Agriculture and other line departments are deployed in the field and are carrying out relief and rescue operations as per the local needs and flood situation.
As per the IMD forecast, due to active monsoon there will be light to moderate
rainfall over all districts of Tripura for next two days. IMD has issued red alert for South Tripura and orange alert for the rest of the state. The flood situation is difficult due to continuous rains but is under control. Close watch is being kept and appropriate measures are being taken by the district administration. People have been advised not to worry but be patient as the administration will overcome the situation with active support from all. Although the respective administrations have started assessments of the damages, some more time will be required to release the assistance. Once the assessment is done, assistance to the affected people will be provided as per the disaster management guidelines. Additional secretary of the revenue department Tamal Majumder and the director of relief, rehabilitation and disaster management department J.V. Doati were also present in the press conference.
