Over 200 people shifted to relief camps, 93 houses damaged as heavy showers, thunderstorms hit Tripura
Over 200 people were rendered homeless and at least 93 houses were damaged as thunderstorms and heavy showers lashed different parts of Tripura in the past 24 hours, the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said Friday evening.
As per an SEOC release, among the 93 houses, 26 were severely damaged and 67 were partly damaged. A total of 207 people from 57 families were shifted to four relief camps in Khowai and West Tripura districts. So far, there are no reports of human deaths or injury owing to the showers. However, a female elephant died at the Mungiakami Rural Development block in Khowai district.
Several roads at Longtraivalley in Dhalai district, Jirania and Mohanpur in West Tripura district, Jampuijala in Sepahijala district, and Karbook, Silacherri, Gomati and Sabroom in South Tripura district were blocked after trees fell during thunderstorms.
However, as per the latest reports, all major rivers in the state, including Gomati, Muhuri, and Feni, are flowing below the danger mark.
'Considering the experience from last year, we have already formed rescue teams. As per a report of the Drinking Water and Sanitation department, the water level is still below the danger mark in the Bishalgarh subdivision. If there is more rainfall, then it may cross the danger level. But we want to assure the people that the administration is prepared fully for the situation,' said a district official in Sepahijala.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said, 'I have already spoken to disaster management officials. I have asked them to keep a watch on all places in the state. Last time, we made arrangements for flood victims. If the situation deteriorates, we shall surely take more initiatives.'
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall (7-20 cm) in some places, and extremely heavy rainfall at a few places in North Tripura and Unakoti districts. Squally wind with a speed of 40-50 kmph and gusting up to 60 kmph is also likely in the state over the next 24 hours.
The floods last year cost 38 lives apart from affecting over 17 lakh people, and causing estimated damages worth Rs 15,000 crore.
Over two lakh people were shifted to 889 relief camps across the state as flood waters submerged large tracts in all eight districts.
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