The state government is facing a Herculean task to cope with the post flood situation. Although at present the main focus is still being on relief and rescue the concerned departments are getting battle ready to meet any health related crisis in the wake of the flood.
The administration has launched extensive relief and rescue operations and as of today, 369 relief camps are functioning under the district administrations across the state, providing shelter to more than 53,356 affected individuals, said Officials on Wednesday. These camps are offering essential services, including food, drinking water, and medical assistance, to those displaced by the floods. Over 27,000 food packets have been distributed to date, ensuring that those in need receive timely nourishment.
They said, floods have claimed as many as 31 lives, with two people injured and one person still reported missing.
Urban areas in Tripura, particularly the capital city Agartala, have been significantly impacted by the floods. More than 32,000 people, comprising around 8,000 families, were safely evacuated and are now being housed in relief camps where they receive essential services.
The floods caused substantial damage to infrastructure, including three water treatment plants and eleven deep tube wells in Agartala. However, the state government responded promptly, restoring these facilities to ensure a continuous supply of clean water. Nine water tankers have been deployed in areas of the city where drinking water remains scarce. Additionally, efforts to clear clogged drainage systems and dewater flooded streets are underway, aiming to restore normalcy as swiftly as possible.
To mitigate the risk of waterborne diseases, which often surge in the aftermath of floods, authorities have implemented stringent hygiene measures in relief camps. This includes the regular cleaning of toilets, spraying of disinfectants, and maintaining a hygienic environment within the shelter houses. A waste management Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to ensure safe sanitation practices during this critical period. Preliminary assessments estimate the damage to assets in ULBs due to the floods to be around Rs. 306 crore.
The health sector has also been actively involved in addressing the fallout of the floods. Doctors have made 1,107 visits to relief camps, providing medical treatment to 35,477 people. Additionally, 1,650 health camps have been conducted, checking over 45,000 individuals for potential health issues. The Health Department is preparing to procure large quantities of essential medicines and supplies, including two lakh Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets, 20 lakh halogen tablets, 10 lakh zinc tablets, and various other medications and disinfectants to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases and treat those affected.
In response to the disaster, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) led by B. C. Joshi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, has arrived in Agartala to conduct an advance on-the-spot assessment of the situation. The IMCT includes officials from various sectors, including Agriculture, Finance, Transport, Water Resources, and Rural Development. The state government has pledged full cooperation with the IMCT, ensuring that they receive all necessary assistance and information for a comprehensive assessment of the damage. Preparations are underway across all departments to facilitate the IMCT’s field visits to the areas most severely affected by the floods.
