In view of the impending ‘extremely heavy rains’, cyclones and lightings that the IMD predicted to hit Tripura on October 24 and 25 the state government has alerted the Army and paramilitary forces apart from all other concerned agencies and disaster, rescue authorities.
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha along with his ministerial colleagues Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, ICA Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, Tribal welfare minister Rampada Jamatia, Chief Secretary J K Sinha, DGP Amitabh Ranjan , Army and paramilitary officials, all senior bureaucrats has reviewed the preparedness to meet the situation.
While all District Magistrates, concerned departments were asked to remain alert and prepared the government has also decided to regulate the public movements. The Deepavali special trains have been cancelled and the vehicular movements are also going to be regulated on road. While leaves of all officials have been cancelled for one week, schools and all educational institutions have been closed till October 26.
In Matabari all concerned departments have been asked to be extra careful and recheck and reconfirm the arrangements and safety measures.
Before Chief Minister’s review meeting the IMD, Disaster management authorities and District Magistrates had series of discussions and Video conference on the impending situation and required arrangements –relating to evacuation, rescue, relief and meeting the emergencies.
Later a a press note issued by the Revenue department said , ‘due to low pressure and deep depression in Bay of Bengal, Tripura is likely to be affected with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall with squally wind 50-60KMPH gusting upto 70KMPH at isolated places on 24 October 2022 and heavy to very heavy rainfall squally wind with 40- 50KMPH gusting upto 60KMPH on 25 October 2022. Maximum rainfall is expected upto 200mm in 24hrs.
Considering the seriousness, following actions already taken:
- State Government has already been alerted to all District Administrations for taking precautionary measures on receipt of its first warning on 21 October 2022.
- Special review taken with all DM & Magistrates on 23 October 2022.
- Hon’ble Chief Minister reviewed the situation with all line departments, army and central paramilitary forces to alert and sought their active support.
- NDRF has been requested to depute additional 5 teams for deployment in the State immediately. It is expected to deploy them in Kumarghat, Teliamura, Agartala, Udaipur and Santirbazar.
- Leaves of all officials have been cancelled for next one week.
- Schools and educational institutions will be closed for three days from 24 to 26 October.
- Movement of the vehicles to be regulated throughout the State o 24 & 25 October 2022.
- All line Departments should take immediate steps for preparedness and immediate response.
- Relief camps are advised to be notified, relief materials to be arranged in advance.
- Miking of the situation for preparedness of the people should be done by ICA and local administrations, advising them to avoid moving out on 24 & 25 October.
- Situation will be assessed regularly, NDRF/SDRF/TSR/Fire & ES /Trained Volunteers and QRTs to be alerted immediately when required and to respond at identified locations.
- Keep ready the equipment like boats, life jackets and other flood rescue items.
- Monitoring of river flows, embankments and catchment areas and take immediate preventive and preparedness measures.
- Evacuate people from low lying areas to the safe shelters and start providing relief if needed.
- Start operating pumps in inundated areas to extract flood water.
- Make immediate damage assessment and report to SEOC by 2PM along with information of action taken.
- Response teams/ line depts to take immediate action for removing debris and restoring essential services.
- Line Departments should remove the debris by mobilizing equipments such as dozers, earthmovers etc.
- Generators should be pre-positioned at strategic locations. Adequate torch lights to be arranged.
- Depute officers / key officials for specific response.
- If needed, keep standby trained volunteers for rescue, relief etc.
• NGOs / clubs should be engaged for their support.
- Fishermen should be alerted not to go for fishing to lakes, rivers or any water bodies.
- Need based response to be taken up immediately as per disaster management plan.
- All print, electronic and social media should be used for public awareness and disseminating alerts.
- To ensure proper precautionary measures in regard to Diwali Mela at Matabari Temple on 24-25 October 2022, all key line depts e.g. Power, PWD, RD, Health etc. have been advised to visit the Matabari temple and reconfirm the arrangements.
- Health teams to be increased and safety measures to be ensured at exit points for Diwali Mela at Matabari.
- Regulation of crowds and vehicles to Diwali Mela. Special trains for 24 & 25 October 2022 will be cancelled to ensure avoid crowding at Mela.
