As many as 24 (twenty-four) persons have died while two are reported missing since the heavy rains lashed out at the state causing severe flood situation and landslides.
Approximately 1.28 lakhs persons had to take shelter in 558 relief camps and according to preliminary estimates damages to property stand at about Rs 5000 crore. The estimate go further up since many areas are yet to be visited for preliminary damage estimates, as the focus has been on relief and rescue operations.
In a press conference which was addressed by Brijesh Pandey, Secretary, Revenue (Disaster Management) and other senior officials including Kiran Gitte, Secretary, PWD, Abhishek Singh, Secretary, Power, J.V. Duati, Director, Disaster Management and Projerct officer of the state Disaster Management Dr Sarat Das, flood situation has improved and there was comparatively less rainfall (highest 17mm at Sonamura) in last 24 hours on Friday, bringing some relief to the people. Water Level of rivers is now below the danger level in all rivers except Gomati at Sonamura
The officials while giving details of the destructions, relief and rescue operations said , the situation is being closely monitored by the Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha who has conducted aerial survey and made physical visit to the flood affected areas at Khilpara in Gomati and Bokafa in South Tripura Districts along with senior officials of the State Administration. “He is regularly monitoring rescue, relief and response operations”, they said.
They said, the District Administration is providing necessary emergency relief, including food, drinking water, medical help etc., in relief camps. Communications has also been restored to many parts of Gomati and South Tripura District
According to them the preliminary reports suggest extensive damages to physical infrastructure (like roads, power, buildings) and agriculture crops, houses, fishery ponds, livestock etc.
“As per preliminary estimates State expects damages to property to the tune of approximately Rs 5000 crores. Many areas are yet to be visited for preliminary damage estimates, as the focus has been on relief and rescue operations”, Pandey said.
On the latest relief and rescue position they said, the rescue operations are now continuing only in Gomati and South Tripura Districts. As of now six Teams of NDRF and six Teams of SDRF are conducting rescue operations. IAF’s MI 17 Helicopters have conducted sorties for relief operations in marooned vulnerable locations.
“As on today, over 11,000 food packets have been dispatched for distribution. The distribution process is going on in affected areas. It will continue tomorrow also”, they said.
Although the flood situation has improved as per the IMD forecast, light to moderate rainfall will continue to occur for today and tomorrow in many parts of the State.
Nevertheless, Administration advised people to take precautions as heavy rains is predicted in many parts over next few days.
