Devastating Tripura Floods: 17 Lakh Lives Shattered, 65,400 Desperate for Shelter, Death Toll Climbs to 20
Severe Floods Devastate Tripura: Death Toll Reaches 20, Over 17 Lakh Affected
Since August 19, relentless rainfall in Tripura has triggered widespread flooding, impacting over 17 lakh people. As of now, 20 people have died, and 65,400 individuals have sought refuge in 450 relief camps.
Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey reported significant rainfall figures, with South Tripura District receiving 493.6 mm in 24 hours on August 22. Other affected districts include Sepahijala, West Tripura, and Gomati. Rivers in six districts, namely Dhalai, Khowai, South Tripura, West Tripura, North Tripura, and Unakoti, have breached the danger mark.
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating relief efforts with state and central agencies including the MHA, NDMA, Air Force, and NDRF. The floods have caused substantial infrastructure damage, with 844 power poles and 151 transformers down and 310 km of conductors and two substations damaged. Landslides have occurred in 2,032 locations, and road erosion has impacted 1,952 spots. Restoration is ongoing with 153 dozers and around 200 field engineers deployed.
The relentless rains have disrupted restoration work, halting bus and railway services in certain areas. Agricultural damage is severe, with 5,000 hectares of vegetables and 1.20 lakh hectares of paddy submerged.
The state government has mobilized 26 SDRF teams and four NDRF teams, with additional teams airlifted from Arunachal Pradesh. Rescue operations involve over 2,000 volunteers from Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra. Helicopters are airlifting stranded individuals and dropping supplies in affected areas like Amarpur.
IMD forecasts continued heavy rainfall, prompting a red alert for the state today and in four districts tomorrow. Relief efforts are in full swing to mitigate the disaster’s impact and support affected citizens.
Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-floods-over-17-lakh-affected-65400-seek-shelter-dead-toll-touches-20-1077064-2024-08-22?utm_source=rssfeed
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