Agartala , Aug 20, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala Aug 20: At least 7 persons (Khowai-1, South Tripura-5 & Gomati-1) have reportedly lost their lives due to rain- related incidents, landslides/drowning, in the state in the past 48 hours. Also, 2 persons are reported as ‘missing’, one each in Gomati & Khowai District.
The relentless downpours have led to landslides, house collapses and severe flooding, exacerbating the crisis.
With the situation being dire across the state, an elderly woman lost her life after being crushed by a landslide at Gurinang Para Bru Rehabilitation Centre in New Gomti ADC Village, Korbook Sub-division.
The victim, identified as Maiyi Reang (62), had gone to the toilet adjacent to her living room when the hillside suddenly collapsed, burying the structure.
After hours of concerted efforts by locals, her body was recovered from the debris. Administrative officials promptly responded to the scene.
In a separate incident, three members of a family were killed in a landslide in Debipur ADC Village, Kachhap Para, under Santirbazar sub-division.
Heavy rains in recent days triggered the disaster, claiming the lives of Trisankar Chakma (father), Ranjani Chakma (41) (mother), and Mita Chakma (12) (daughter).
Also, one family member was injured. However, till the time of writing the report, the rescue operations could not be started because of damaged roads.
On the other hand, a 14-year-old minor identified as Biresh Debbarma, resident of Champalai in Mungiakami area died after being crushed by a landslide.
Leaving several families homeless, the flood, triggered by incessant rain over the past 48 hours have also caused extensive damage to property and crops.
While various areas within Smart City Agartala and other districts and subdivisions are submerged due to heavy rains, a hill collapse has blocked the national highway no.8 in the Atharamura area.
Fallen trees have caused a blockage on another section of the national highway in Teliamura.
The road connecting Khowai-Kamalpur has also been hit by dangerous landslides.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and working to clear the debris.
As per report, the road conditions in several areas have deteriorated to a great extent. In Chittamara area under Belonia subdivision the deplorable condition because of the heavy rainfall has posed challenges for commuters.
In another incident, firefighters successfully rescued an elderly man who was trapped in a flooded house at Teliamura, Dashamighat. He was immediately rushed to the Teliamura hospital for medical attention.
Meanwhile, rescue operations are underway with rescue teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) being deployed and relief camps being opened by the state government.