Flood situation across the state took on Thursday an extremely critical turn with the incessant rains that continued through out the Wednesday night. On Thursday morning water level in almost all the rivers increased dangerously as the water flowed down from the upper catchment areas and threatened even to breach the dykes along them. Thousands of houses were completed submerged and flood water flowed over the roof.
As the situation became devastating state government sought centre’s help . Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha talked to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought more NDRF personnel, boats and helicopters for rescue operations. The Union Home Minister responded immediately and NDRF Teams as well as two MI 17 helicopters from the Indian Air Force flew down within hours. They were immediately pressed into action- one chopper flying straight to Amarpur for rescue operations as the situation
there was reported critical with several thousands people marooned.
Most affected remained still South Tripura, Gomati district and Sepahijala.
In Agartala the Howrah river was flowing so menacingly that at a point of time it was believed that the dyke along it would give in and the Howrah water would come gushing taking down the city. However, around noon the Howrah River water started reducing. But in the meantime, entire city became clogged due to flood water and almost all roads became out of bound. The main thoroughfares of the city reeled under chest deep water .
Most worrisome was the case of Battala cremation ground. All the crematorium were completely submerged and in case of any death there was no way one could cremate the deceased. They had to wait till the water reduced –which was again uncertain. But then even after water decrease the gas and electric crematoriums would need repairs.
In the low-lying areas of Agartala and other parts of the West Tripura, like all other districts flood situation was extremely bad. Thousands of people had to be evacuated by the NDRF, others agencies and volunteers, locals, club members rescued the marooned people and took them to relief camps. At some points due to massive demands boats could not reach at time, but ultimately evacuated all the distressed people who contacted or seen to be in danger.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha waded through the flood water to inspect the situation and also held a high level meeting to review the situation. After the meeting it was announced that all schools would remain closed until further notice.
Though the Howrah river water decreased IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rains in the coming hours –which only meant flood situation worsening further.
However, Disaster Management authorities were constantly monitoring the situation and all steps were ensured to help the marooned and distressed people across the state. No stone was left untouched to ensure that people are taken to safer places and relief materials were supplied.
