Agartala, Tripura: In a swift response to the relentless monsoon downpour that has battered Tripura over the past 48 hours, several schools in Agartala have been repurposed as relief camps, offering a much-needed haven for families displaced by widespread flooding.
With over 10,000 people shifted to safer locations across the state, these educational institutions have become crucial centres of aid.
Ambedkar School is currently housing 130 families, comprising a total of 464 individuals, while Vivekananda School is providing shelter to 220 people. Authorities have ensured that essential services are being meticulously provided, including a regular supply of nutritious food, clean drinking water, and comprehensive medical care. Special provisions for children’s nutrition have also been prioritised to safeguard their health during this challenging period.
Medical teams are diligently attending to the elderly and those requiring urgent care, conducting health check-ups and distributing necessary medicines. The local administration, operating under the direct guidance of the state government, is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the smooth and effective execution of all relief operations. Chief Minister Manik Saha also visited one of the camps, instructing officials to ensure all arrangements are properly managed.
However, the recurring nature of the problem casts a long shadow over the temporary relief. Gita Deb, a flood victim seeking shelter at a camp for the past three days, expressed her gratitude for the facilities but also voiced a common plea. “Here, we are getting all kinds of facilities – food, a place to sleep, electricity, and everything else. However, every year during the flood season, we are forced to leave our homes and take shelter here. That is why I would like to request the government to provide us with a permanent solution.” Her sentiment was echoed by Dulan Ghosh and Mithun Sah, both lamenting the annual displacement and urging the government for alternative, permanent solutions, including relocation to safer areas. Sudhir Das, another victim, confirmed receiving all necessary facilities, including medical attention.
Counsellor Abhijit Mallik, overseeing the operations at one of the camps, confirmed that all arrangements for the 220 refugees are running smoothly, including food, medical facilities, and provisions for children. He reiterated that the Chief Minister’s visit had reinforced the commitment to proper management. Sabita Das, who sought refuge after floodwaters entered her home last Friday, expressed thanks to CM Manik Saha for the provision of shelter and regular meals, including special provisions for children.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Agartala had on June 1 issued a red alert across all districts of Tripura, as intense moisture incursion has led to heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, disrupting connectivity and inundating low-lying areas. As authorities brace for more downpours in the coming days, the temporary shelters provided by schools will remain vital lifelines for the thousands affected by nature’s fury.
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