Tripura has been dealing with heavy rainfall and destructive landslides that have claimed the lives of at least 22 persons, and two others are still reported missing. The intense downpour has displaced around 65,400 residents, who are now taking refuge in 450 relief camps due to significant damage to their homes. Tripura’s Chief Minister, Manik Saha, has expressed deep condolences to the affected families via a social media post, announcing a financial aid of Rs 4 lakh for each victim’s family.
Heavy rainfall damages livelihood
The severe weather has caused widespread disruption to the livelihoods of people in Tripura. Helicopters have been deployed to assist stranded individuals and airlift them to the impacted areas of South Tripura and Gomati. According to a PTI report, the Assam Rifles have rescued over 750 people so far.
The full extent of damage to agriculture, livestock, and infrastructure will be assessed once field evaluations are complete. Brijesh Pandey, Secretary of the Revenue Department, confirmed that 12 people have died due to the heavy rains in the northeastern states.
Around 17 lakh people have been severely affected by the heavy downpours. Landslides have occurred at 2,032 locations, in which 1,789 areas have been restored and cleared. Meanwhile, a restoration drive is still underway in the remaining affected areas. Road erosion has also occurred in 1,952 spots.
The relief and rescue operations are in full swing in several parts of Amarpur, Bishalgarh, Tripura West, East Kanchanbari, Sepahijala, and Kumarghat by the riflewomen. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its latest weather bulletin has warned that there will be heavy rainfall for Tripura. All the educational institutions have been instructed to shut down today.
(With PTI inputs)