Agartala, Apr 01, 2024, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Apr 01: The nor'wester that hit seven districts of Tripura on Sunday left a trail of destruction and affected 800 houses.
Addressing a press conference, the officials of the Revenue (Relief, Rehabilitation and Disaster Management) department said, 
Thunderstorm, Hailstorrn, rain and lightning occurred in 17 Sub-Divisions of seven districts (except North Tripura District) damaged a toral of 800 houses--fully 62, severely 161 and partly 577. 
Besides, 42 locations were blocked due to felling of trees, electric poles and wires. The Power supply was also affected in 205 areas.
The officials said, one person died due to lightning in Udaipur under Gomati district. The cause of death of another person at Kakraban is under verification.
Speaking to the media, Secretary to Revenue department Brijesh Pandey said, the District Disaster Management Authorities have taken immediate steps to mitigate the impact of Kalbaishakhi and provide immediate response and relief measures to people in accordance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and guidelines of Election Commission of India. 
He said, quick response teams were used to cut and remove fallen trees and restore power lines. 
The preliminary damage assessment has been completed and interim relief to over 50 affected families have been provided at the rate of Rs. 4000-5000 per family. Immediate relief assistance process would be completed within one or two days, he said.
The Secretary said, all the road blockades have been cleared. NDRF was pressed into service for clearing roads in Champamura of Sepahijala district. 
Out of 205 places affected due to disruption of power lines, TSECL has already restored electric supply in most of these areas. Effort is on to restore remaining power lines by today night, he said.
Meanwhile, a relief camp has been opened at Teliamura RD Block to give shelter to 7 families including 23 persons. The District Authorities of Khowai are providing immediate reliefs to these families. 
According to the Secretary, after the detailed verification and assessment of damages, assistance would be provided as per the norms of SDRF.
He said, adequate fund (SDRF) amounting to Rs.55.38 crore has been made available to all District Authorities for taking up immediate relief and rehabilitation measures.
The department had taken advance steps to meeting any situation arising out of Kalbaishakhi and Southwest Monsoon. A State level preparatory meeting was held with all District Authorities and Line Departments on March 2 last. Subsequently, the District Authorities have reviewed the preparedness and taken advance steps. The departments are fully prepared to handle the situation, the Secretary assured.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha on Monday inspected storm-hit Lembutali village of Sepahijala district and met the affected people.