Orange Alert for Tripura as IMD warns of heavy to heavy rainfall across four districts

Widespread monsoon rainfall continued to drench Tripura on Wednesday, with several parts of the state recording moderate to very heavy precipitation. 

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Chawmanu in Dhalai district received the highest rainfall at 139.2 mm, followed by Ambassa (110.6 mm), Lembuchhera (105.5 mm), Gandachherra (102.5 mm), and the DM Office in Agartala (102 mm).

The showers brought relief from humid weather but also raised concerns over waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and possible landslides in vulnerable hilly areas. 

In West Tripura, rainfall was widespread, with the Secretariat recording 95.5 mm, Agartala Airport 88.5 mm, Hezamara 82.8 mm, and Howrah 81.8 mm. 

Dhalai district saw heavy showers across Ambassa, Gandachherra, and Manughat, while Kamalpur recorded 36 mm. Interestingly, Chhailengta reported 0 mm rainfall, highlighting uneven distribution.

Unakoti district also experienced significant rainfall, with Kumarghat at 92.5 mm, Nidebi 85.2 mm, Kailashahar 58.8 mm, and Dashamighat and Nutanbazar 46.2 mm each. 

In South Tripura, Sabroom received 87 mm, Bokafa 56.2 mm, Belonia 53.4 mm, and Rajnagar 19.4 mm. 

North Tripura witnessed moderate showers, with Kadamtala and Churaibari at 58.5 mm, Panisagar 56.5 mm, and Ashapara 49.5 mm. 

Khowai district recorded between 28.4 mm and 55.5 mm, while Gomati saw 55.6 mm at Amarpur and 45.6 mm at Udaipur. 

Sepahijala district reported lighter rainfall, with Bishalgarh at 2.4 mm and Sonamura Mohanbhog at 39.6 mm.

The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tripura over the next three days. On July 8, isolated places in West Tripura, Khowai, Dhalai, and Gomati are expected to receive intense showers, prompting the Orange Warning. 

A Yellow Warning has been issued for the remaining districts. On July 9, all eight districts will be under a Yellow Warning, while on July 10, heavy rainfall is likely in West Tripura, Khowai, Sepahijala, Gomati, and South Tripura.

Meteorologists explained that the prevailing conditions are being driven by a seasonal trough extending from southwest Rajasthan to northeast Bangladesh, linked to a well-marked low-pressure area over northwest Madhya Pradesh and adjoining Uttar Pradesh. An upper air cyclonic circulation over northeast Assam is further enhancing moisture incursion, resulting in widespread rainfall activity.

Authorities have urged residents, particularly those in low-lying and landslide-prone areas, to remain cautious. The IMD has warned of localized flooding, waterlogging, and disruptions to normal life as intermittent heavy showers are expected to continue.