Agartala: August 29: The state government of Tripura has officially declared the region as a ‘Natural Calamity Affected Area’ in response to the recent devastating floods. This decision was reached during a meeting of the Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA) chaired by the Chief Secretary on August 24th and subsequently announced on August 27th.
According to a press release from the state disaster management department, incessant rainfall has led to an unprecedented flood situation across Tripura. The water level of the Gomati river in Sonamura is gradually receding, but authorities continue to monitor the situation vigilantly. The floods have resulted in loss of life and damage to both government and private properties, prompting the state government to declare Tripura as a natural disaster-affected area.
A total of 32 people have lost their lives, two have been injured, and one person remains missing. The district administration has set up 346 relief camps, providing shelter to approximately 52,906 affected individuals. These camps offer essential relief, including food, clean water, and medical assistance. Stringent hygiene measures are being implemented to prevent waterborne diseases. An inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) led by Joint Secretary BC Joshi from the Ministry of Home Affairs arrived in the state. Yesterday, they held a preliminary meeting with state officials and were briefed on the flood situation and initial damage assessment. Today, the central team is conducting field assessments in the flood-affected areas of South Tripura and Gomati districts. A team of 1,271 doctors is inspecting relief camps daily, conducting health camps for 43,887 people.
Power supply has been fully restored in 18 electricity divisions. The remaining 6 divisions in South Tripura, Gomati, and Sepahijala districts, affected by waterlogging, will be operational within the next 3 days. Except for 163 schools, all 4,734 schools in the state have reopened. The closed schools include 14 in Dhalai, 33 in Sepahijala, 65 in Gomati district, and 51 in South Tripura. The Labor Department will provide a one-time financial assistance of Rs. 4,000 per worker to 42,981 construction workers who have been severely impacted by the floods.
In summary, the state government’s declaration acknowledges the severity of the situation, and both state and central authorities are actively engaged in relief efforts and damage assessment.
