Agartala: The death toll from extensive flooding and landslides in Tripura rose to nine on Wednesday, while over 30,000 people have been displaced due to heavy rains.
According to the State Disaster Management Authority, 6,259 families, comprising 32,754 individuals, have been relocated to 331 relief camps across the state.
An official from the Revenue Department explained, “The number of shelter homes and residents fluctuates as people return to their homes once the water recedes.”
So far, seven people have died, and two remain missing due to landslides and drowning as of August 20. Two more fatalities were reported in Sepahijala district on Wednesday.
In Bishramganja’s Karuimura area, Sepahijala district, a four-year-old child, Hrittik Debbarma, tragically drowned after slipping into waterlogged fields. Meanwhile, in Sonamura subdivision’s Dhanirampur, a 57-year-old woman, Milani Debbarma, died in a landslide while inside her kitchen. Both bodies were recovered by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Two other individuals have sustained injuries.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the West Tripura, Sepahijala, and Khowai districts.
“Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) with isolated extreme downpours (21 cm or more) is likely in parts of West Tripura, Sepahijala, and Khowai. Other districts may also experience heavy rainfall,” the State Disaster Management Authority reported.
The situation along the Gomati River has become critical, with water levels breaching the extreme danger mark. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha urged residents in vulnerable areas to seek refuge in nearby relief camps.
“The Gomati River has crossed the extreme danger level. The administration is actively evacuating affected residents to safer areas. I appeal to everyone in flood-prone zones to cooperate with authorities and move to shelter houses immediately. Your safety is our top priority,” Dr. Saha wrote on social media.
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