An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), led by B.C. Joshi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, has arrived in Agartala to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the recent floods in Tripura. The team comprises officials from various sectors, including Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Water Resources, and Rural Development, reflecting the wide-ranging impact of the disaster.
The State Government is providing full support to the IMCT, ensuring that the team receives comprehensive briefings and access to all necessary resources for accurate damage assessment. Various departments have already taken preparatory measures to facilitate the team’s field visits to the flood-affected areas.
The floods, triggered by heavy and continuous rainfall between August 19 and 23, 2024, have caused unprecedented damage across the state. Although the water level of the Gomati River at Sonamura has receded from its critical peak, it remains above the flood level, posing ongoing challenges to the affected communities.
In response to the disaster, 369 relief camps have been established by the District Administration, providing shelter to over 53,356 displaced individuals. The camps are equipped with essential supplies, including food, drinking water, and medical aid. To date, more than 27,000 food packets have been distributed to those in need.
Relief operations are being conducted on a large scale, with three teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) actively working in the worst-hit districts of Gomati and Sepahijala. Additionally, around 500 volunteers from Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra are also engaged in these critical efforts.
The floods have resulted in significant loss of life, with 31 fatalities reported. Two individuals have sustained injuries, and one person is still missing. The disaster has also caused major disruptions in urban areas, particularly in Agartala, where over 32,000 people—approximately 8,000 families—have been evacuated and are currently residing in relief camps.
Efforts to restore essential services in Agartala have been swift. All three damaged Water Treatment Plants and 11 Deep Tube Wells in the city have been repaired and are now operational. In areas where drinking water remains scarce, nine water tankers have been deployed to meet the residents’ needs. The city is also undergoing de-clogging and de-watering operations to clear the streets and help restore normalcy.
To prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases, authorities are ensuring the regular cleaning of toilets, spraying of disinfectants, and maintaining hygiene in shelter houses. A waste management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure safe sanitation practices. A preliminary assessment estimates the damage to assets in ULBs at around Rs. 306 crore.
Addressing the health concerns arising from the floods, medical teams have made 1,107 visits to relief camps, treating 35,477 individuals. Additionally, 1,650 health camps have been conducted, providing care to over 45,000 people. The Health Department is also preparing to procure 2 lakh ORS packets, 20 lakh halogen tablets, 10 lakh zinc tablets, and other essential medicines to combat potential outbreaks of diseases and ensure the well-being of the affected population.
