Tripura, a state in northeastern India, is currently facing the brunt of torrential rains that have caused significant damage to homes and forced hundreds of people to seek shelter in relief camps. Since May 29, heavy rainfall has led to the destruction of 93 houses and the displacement of 207 individuals who have been relocated to four relief camps set up across the state.
According to a report from the State Emergency Operation Centre, the West District of Tripura has been the most severely affected by the relentless downpour. Under the Jirania Sub-division, 9 houses were severely damaged and 32 houses suffered partial damage. Similarly, in the Mohanpur Sub-division, 17 houses were severely damaged and 19 houses were partially affected. In the Belonia Sub-division of the South District, 11 houses were severely damaged, while in Panisagar of the North District, five houses were partially damaged.
As a result of the heavy rainfall, three relief camps have been set up in the Sadar Sub-division of the West District, accommodating 165 individuals from 46 families. Another relief camp in Khowai has provided shelter to 42 people from 13 families. In addition to the damage to homes, the report highlighted the uprooting of numerous trees across the state, leading to road blockades that were eventually cleared by personnel from the Tripura State Rifles and volunteers.
The report also noted that major rivers in Tripura, including the Howrah, Gomati, Muhuri, Manu, and Bijoy rivers, are flowing above dangerous levels, prompting concerns about potential flooding. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for the North and Unakoti districts, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days, with the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas.
“Heavy rainfall has been recorded in most districts of Tripura, with very heavy rainfall in the Sepahijala District, and moderate to heavy rainfall in other districts,” the report stated. It also warned of squally winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting up to 60 kmph, in various parts of the state.
As Tripura continues to grapple with the aftermath of the torrential rains, authorities are working diligently to provide assistance to those affected and mitigate the impact of the ongoing inclement weather.
