Tripura flash flood: Union Home Minister assures all possible assistance as situation worsened; 7 of 2 families dies in landslide; death toll rises to 17

As the flash flood situation in the state of Tripura has worsened due to the incessant torrential since August 19 last, at least 7 people including children of two separate families dies in a landslide taking the death toll to total 17.

The incident took place at Shantirbazar subdivision on Wednesday night. Five of the deceased persons were from one family and the two others were from another family. The deceased were identified as Umacharan Tripura (25), Mandira Tripura (23), Prasenjit Tripura (21), Ajoy Tripura (16), Rakesh Tripura (18), Jyotika Tripura (21) and Kimtuisa Tripura (3).

The Government on Thursday evening announced ex-gratia of Rs. 4 lakh to each of the families of 17 deceased, who lost their lives after landslides caused by heavy downpour has hit their homes in Devipur village and Ashwini Tripura Para of Santirbazar sub-division in separate incidents.

The Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management department of Tripura government in its press communique on Thursday evening stated, “Landslides occurred in 2032 locations, out of which 1789 locations have been cleared and the restoration work is going on in full swing.”

“Water Level of rivers in six locations across the State is above the danger mark in Dhalai, Khowai, South Tripura, West Tripura, North Tripura and Unakoti Districts,” it stated further, adding that total 450 relief camps have been opened by the District Administration since 19th August, 2024 for providing shelter to over 65,400 persons in the State.

The Tripura government on Thursday announced shutdown of all educational institutions including Anganwadi Centres in the state until further notices as the flash flood situation has worsened.

Total 26 Teams of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force (TSR)) from all 14 Battalions, and 4 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are in action for rescue purpose. In addition, 4 NDRF teams (120 personnel) airlifted from Arunachal have landed in Agartala on Thursday and are being deployed in Gomati, West Tripura and Sepahijala district. Previous 4 teams consisting of about 100 members have been engaged in South Tripura, West Tripura, Unakoti and Khowai Districts. More than 2000 volunteers of Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra have been engaged in relief and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, in response to the proposal of the state government, the Centre has provided 2 helicopters for airlifting of stranded people in Gomati and South Tripura districts. Helicopters have conducted recce for rescue operation. It is being used for airdropping one NDRF team and food items to Amarpur.

On the other hand, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday tweeted and said, “Spoke with CM Tripura, @DrManikSaha2 Ji, and took stock of the flood situation in the state. The Centre is rushing teams of NDRF, apart from boats and helicopters, to the state to assist the local government in relief and rescue operations.”

“Assured of all possible assistance from the Centre as and when required. The Modi government firmly stands with our sisters and brothers in Tripura during this hour of crisis,” the tweet reads.

As per the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to occur for Thursday and Friday in many parts of the State. IMD has issued red alert for the whole of State for the two days.