Agartala: Relentless monsoon downpours have wreaked havoc across Tripura’s West District, forcing approximately 1,300 families to abandon their homes and seek shelter in government-operated relief camps. The incessant rainfall has caused the Howrah River to swell significantly, flowing well above its danger mark and inundating vast swathes of low-lying areas.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, addressing the grim situation via a Facebook post, acknowledged the widespread flooding affecting various parts of West Tripura. He assured the public that the government is meticulously monitoring the flood-affected regions, with district administration teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, and civil volunteers, actively deployed across multiple locations. The Chief Minister also noted the accumulation of water in many parts of Agartala, confirming that water pumps are currently engaged in draining operations. He appealed to residents in the vulnerable areas to relocate to safer ground and adhere to government advisories for their safety.
The Central Water Commission has corroborated the severity of the situation, reporting that the Howrah River in West Tripura district is experiencing a severe flood. The river is presently flowing at a perilous 11.58 meters, which is 0.88 meters above its danger level of 10.7 meters, with an alarming upward trend. This alarming rise has triggered widespread flooding in localities adjacent to the river in Agartala, including Baldakhal, Sri Lanka Basti, and the Chandrapur Inter-State Bus Terminus, among others.
In a concerted effort to manage the escalating crisis, authorities have swiftly deployed teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). These specialised units, alongside personnel from Tripura Police and the Tripura State Rifles, are tirelessly working to evacuate residents from the submerged areas and provide necessary assistance to those impacted by the deluge.
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