Flash flood in and around Agartala following incessant rain during last two days has rendered hundreds of families homeless. Howrah river is flowing 0.3 meter above danger level.
Heavy rainfall since Saturday created havoc in the city throwing lives out of gear.
More than five thousand people along with the belongings and domestic animals have taken refuge in temporary camps in various schools and government establishments in and around capital Agartala.
DM West Tripura district Sandip Mahate said “Due to incessant rain areas in Sadar and Jirania sub-division and several wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation were submerged under water. The water of Howrah river is flowing at 10.3 meter which is 0.3 meter above danger level. Affected people by the side of the river banks have been shifted in 16 flood relief camps. Altogether 670 families are living in the relief camp now.”
The number of families may increase as rescue operation is going on. NDRF, TSR and Civil Defense are carrying out rescue operation in 16 boats. Administration has arranged for food supply and drinking water.
In-charge chief minister Ratan Lal Nath along with the authorities of the administration visited some flood affected areas meet the flood victims to know their whereabouts.
Nath said, “Balda Khal, Chandrapur and the adjoining areas are flooded due to heavy rainfall in the hilly areas. The water level of the river has increased. Several families were evacuated and the administration has already reached even before I came here. The SDM Sadar, DM West Tripura and officials from the SDM Jirania looked in to the problems and local people have also extended help. Arrangements for boats have been made though we were not ready for this situation which is a natural hazard.”
Aged people along with children and domestic animals have take shelter in the camps.
Purnima Datta a flood victim said, “Since morning there is no rain but all of a sudden the water level has gone up. We are in great problem and do not know what we should do. We left essential commodities and documents in our house but not sure if we shall find these in proper condition. Not seen such flood earlier. The Minister has assured all help. Let’s wait and see.”
Another flood victim Milan Biswas said, “I have come here with one-and-a-half month old grandchild as water has entered our house and everything is under water. We were rescued in boat and during the night there was rain.”
Water levels of major rivers Gomati, Deo, Manu and Howrah were swelling with every passing hour posing flood threat throughout the state.
The regional office of MET department has issued warning with prediction of more rainfall in the next 24 hours and already the district administrations has been kept on alert to keep close eye on the situation.
Leave a comment