The state government has come out with a detailed press statement regarding the devastating flood situation of the state. Here below we publish the statement.
Due to very heavy and continuous rainfall over the past 4 days since 19th August 2024, the water level of rivers in Tripura has remained inflated significantly. Tripura received one of the highest levels of rainfall in last 24 hours on 22.08.2024 notably in South Tripura District (Bogafa: 493.6 mm), Sepahijala District (Sonamura: 293.4 mm), West Tripura District (Agartala: 233 mm) and Gomati District (Udaipur: 155 mm). As a result, the whole State is affected with floods very badly. Particularly Gomati, South Tripura, Unakoti and West Tripura Districts have been severely affected.
2. This is an unprecedented situation and is being closely monitored at the highest level. Hon’ble Chief Minister, Tripura has again taken stock of the situation and reviewed the relief and response measures today afternoon wherein the Chief Secretary, Secretary, (Disaster Management) and other senior officers were present in the meeting. The State machinery is working very hard in close coordination with various state departments and central agencies to mitigate impact of disaster on citizens. MHA, NDMA, Air Force and NDRF have been supporting State’s efforts.
3. Water Level of rivers in six locations across the State is above the danger mark in Dhalai, Khowai, South Tripura, West Tripura, North Tripura and Unakoti Districts.
4. Total 450 relief camps have been opened by the District Administration since 19th August, 2024 for providing shelter to over 65,400 persons in the State. The population affected in the State is estimated to be over 17 lakh. The District Administration have been providing necessary emergency relief, including food, drinking water, medical help etc. in relief camps. Officers from various departments including Rural Development, Water Resources, Power, PWD (Roads & Buildings), Forest, Police, Fire Service & Paramilitary Forces have been working round the clock for last four days to mitigate the impact of floods & provide relief & rescue operations to affected families.
5. Till date, 12 (twelve) persons have lost lives and 2 (two) persons are reportedly to be missing. Preliminary reports suggest extensive damages to physical infrastructure and agriculture crops along with damages to houses, livestock. The actual figures will be known only after the field assessment is completed. The department wise update is as follows:
- TSECL: Total 844 poles broken and 151 transformer, 310Km conductors, 2 sub-stations are damaged.
- PWD: Landslides occurred in 2032 locations, out of which 1789 locations have been cleared and the restoration work is going on in full swing. Erosion to roads occurred at 1952 locations, out of which till date 579 locations have been restored. Total 153 number of Dozers are deployed across the State to clear debris. Around 200 field Engineers are working round the clock to combat the situation. The frequent and intense rains are continuously causing disruption to restoration work.
- Transport: Bus service from Chandrapur, Nagerjala and Radhanagar has been deferred. All railway service from Agartala has been deferred.
- There have been extensive crop damages specially early and late Kharif crops due to the flood in all eight districts of the state. As per preliminary estimates, around 5000 ha Vegetables & 1.20 lakh ha paddy land area is still under submerged condition causing full and part damages to the crops.
- Education: All schools have been closed until further order.
- Telecommunication has been severely disrupted in Gomati, South Tripura and other flood affected areas. All Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been instructed by D/o Telecommunication, GoI to activate Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) facility in Tripura State with immediate effect from 27th August, 2024.
6. Total 26 Teams of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force (TSR)) from all 14 Battalions, and 4 teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are in action for rescue purpose. In addition, four NDRF teams (120 personnel) airlifted from Arunachal have landed in Agartala today and are being deployed Gomati, West Tripura and Sepahijala districts. Previous 4 teams consisting of about 100 members have been engaged in South Tripura, West Tripura, Unakoti and Khowai Districts. More than 2000 volunteers of Civil Defense and Aapda Mitra have been engaged in relief and rescue operations.
7. On State Government’s request, Govt. of India has provided 2 helicopters for airlifting of stranded people in Gomati and South Tripura districts. Helicopters have conducted recce for rescue operation. It is being used for airdropping one NDRF team and food items to Amarpur.
8. The State Government has strengthened the hands of District Administration Gomati and given Shri Hamendra Raval, Special Secretary, Education etc. Departments, the charge of Special DM & Collector, Gomati. Services of five TCS Officers are placed under the Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs for looking after distribution of relief materials. In addition, Two senior TCS Officers are attached with the Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs for helping in proper distribution of relief materials to affected persons.
9. As per the IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall will continue to occur for today and tomorrow in many parts of the State. IMD has issued red alert for the whole of State for today and in four districts for tomorrow.
10. State Government has launched extensive rescue and relief operations. However, common people are requested not panic but remain calm and cooperate with the State and District Administrations. We urge them to evacuate to safe places as per the advice of the administration. We are committed to save lives and protect people in this disaster situation.
