Agartala, Aug 23, 2024, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

 

Agartala, Aug 23: The death toll due to unprecedented rains, floods and landslides has increased to 24 while the preliminary report suggested total loss of Rs. 5,000 crore across Tripura, an official confirmed on Friday.

 

Addressing a press conference, Secretary to Revenue department Brijesh Pandey said, the situation is gradually improving while the water levels in most of the rivers have receded below the danger mark.

 

He said, since August 19, a total of 558 relief camps have been set up, sheltering approximately 1.28 lakh displaced individuals. The district administrations have been working tirelessly to provide essential services, including food, drinking water, and medical aid, to those in need.

 

Speaking to the media at the State Emergency Operation Centre, New Capital Complex, the Revenue secretary revealed the trail of devastation caused by the excessive rainfall, landslides and massive flood across the state.

 

He said, the flood not only affected lakhs of people but also largely damaged crops and infrastructure. The government's prompt response and concerted efforts, he said, have minimized the damage and ensured timely aid to those affected.

 

The situation, described as unprecedented, has severely impacted Gomati, South Tripura, Unakoti and West Tripura districts. Although the intensity of rainfall subsided slightly on August 23, the state still remains on high alert with predictions for more rains in place.

 

He said, loss of 24 lives has been reported while two individuals sustained injuries and two others are still missing. Rescue and relief operations are still underway in the most affected areas, particularly in Gomati and South Tripura districts.

 

According to the Revenue secretary, six teams each from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in rescue efforts. Besides, helicopters have been deployed to deliver relief supplies to isolated and vulnerable areas, with over 11,000 food packets distributed so far.

 

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted light to moderate rainfall in various parts of the state for the next two days. 

 

PWD Secretary Kiran Gitte said, efforts are underway to repair the cracks appeared on the National Highway-08 at Mungiakami. He said the fuel tankers and other vehicles carrying essentials are coming to Agartala via Ambassa, Kamalpur and Khowai. He also said that special medical camps would be arranged in flood-affected areas.

 

Secretary to Power department Abhishek Singh, State Project Office of Disaster Management Sharat Kumar Das were present in the press conference.