Severe Flooding in Tripura Displaces Thousands as Authorities Respond

Flood Crisis in Tripura

Agartala, June 1: On Sunday, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced that approximately 1,623 families, totaling 7,109 individuals, have been moved to relief camps established throughout the West Tripura district.

The Chief Minister emphasized the government's vigilant oversight of the flood-affected regions, stating, “NDRF and SDRF teams, along with civil volunteers and other agencies, have been deployed across various sites. Reports indicate significant waterlogging in several areas of Agartala, and water pumps are currently in operation.”

In a social media update, Saha urged the public to adhere to safety protocols and seek refuge in safe locations.

Rainfall resumed on Sunday morning. While water levels have slightly decreased, numerous homes, residential zones, and the central crematorium in Agartala remain inundated.

Authorities discovered a body floating near Jackson Gate in Agartala, which was transported to GB Pant Hospital. An officer stated, “Preliminary investigations suggest drowning as the cause of death.”

Earlier, a 16-year-old named Tanmoy Debnath tragically drowned while fishing in a pond at Jirania following persistent rains.

The flood situation escalated on Saturday evening due to a sudden and heavy downpour, disrupting normal life in Agartala and various parts of Tripura.

Despite recent upgrades to the pumping systems by the Agartala Municipal Corporation, the intense rainfall overwhelmed the city’s drainage infrastructure, leading to significant waterlogging in many areas.

Numerous low-lying regions experienced flooding, with rainwater infiltrating homes and shops. Four houses sustained damage, and residents were observed using buckets and makeshift tools to remove the water.

Daily activities were severely impacted as roads transformed into streams, compelling pedestrians to navigate through knee-deep water and leaving vehicles stranded throughout the city.

Traffic was brought to a standstill, with many vehicles either stuck or redirected. Public transportation faced significant disruptions, resulting in delays and challenges for commuters.

Local officials have ramped up emergency response measures, anticipating additional rainfall as predicted by meteorologists. Relief teams are on standby, and pumping operations have been intensified in the most affected areas.