Floods cause 10 casualties, displace over 34 000 in India’s northeastern state of Tripura

At least 10 people have been killed, and one person remains missing, following a series of landslides and flood-related incidents across the northeastern state of Tripura due to heavy rainfall since Sunday, August 18, 2024. The flooding has caused the displacement of over 34 000 individuals so far.

The heavy rainfall that began on Sunday, has caused the water levels in all major rivers in the state to rise above the danger mark, resulting in widespread flooding across several areas. According to official reports, more than 34 000 people have been displaced, with 34 100 individuals from 6 620 families taking refuge in 346 relief camps across eight districts.

The most affected areas include the state capital, Agartala, where the Gomati River overflowed, and regions such as Dharmanagar in North Tripura, Kailashahar, Kumarghat in Unakoti district, Kamalpur, and other locations in Dhalai district.

Extensive waterlogging and flood-like conditions have been reported in Bishalgarh and Sonamura in Sepahijala, Teliamura, Khowai, Udaipur, Karbook, Amarpur, and numerous areas in South Tripura and West Tripura districts.

The state government has confirmed that 10 people have died and 1 person is missing, with most fatalities attributed to drowning and landslides. Two individuals were reported injured as well.

The situation remains critical as the water levels continue to threaten residential areas, prompting the government to declare a holiday for all educational institutions on Thursday, August 22, and Friday, August 23, to ensure the safety of students and staff.

“Due to excessive rainfall since Sunday, the water level in all major rivers has already crossed the danger mark, flooding several areas. Ten people have been killed in landslides and flood-related incidents since Sunday. The state witnessed as many as 1 900 landslides, causing disruption in road connectivity,” a government release said on Wednesday, August 21. A Red alert has been sounded in West Tripura and Sepahijala districts for heavy rainfall on Thursday, it added.

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and central paramilitary forces, including the Assam Rifles, actively engaged in assisting affected communities. Following a request from Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, four additional NDRF teams have arrived in the state to bolster the rescue efforts.

“Unprecedented flood in the state. We are monitoring the situation closely. District Magistrates have been asked to render all possible help to the affected people,” said Chief Minister Manik Saha.

Despite concerns about the Dumboor Dam in Gomati district, which reached its reservoir’s holding capacity of 94 m (308 feet), the state power minister Ratan Lal Nath assured the public that no floodgates have been opened, and any overflow is being managed.

References:

¹ Tripura: At least 10 killed after heavy rain causes floods; over 34,000 displaced – HT – August 22, 2024

² Ten killed in Tripura flood and landslide – DH – August 22, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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