At least seven people were killed and two are missing in Tripura after 48 hours of heavy rainfall that has led to flooding and landslides in parts of the state.
Of the total, one death was reported from Khowai, five from South Tripura and one in Gomati. The missing individuals are from Gomati and Khowai districts, The Indian Express reported on Wednesday.
More than 5,600 families are taking shelter in 183 relief camps as four rivers – the Howrah, Dhalai, Muhuri and Khowai – were flowing above the danger levels.
On Tuesday afternoon, state Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey told reporters that intense rainfall has caused severe flooding in South Tripura and Gomati districts.
The district magistrate of Gomati said that water in the Dumbur Hydroelectric Project Dam has accumulated to a critical level and has to be released. “Requesting all citizens concerned and downstream districts of the state to take precautionary measures immediately,” said the district magistrate.
Authorities are supplying essential services, including food, drinking water, and medical care at the relief camps. However, major roads, including national highways, stand blocked due to landslides caused by heavy rainfall. Efforts are ongoing to clear the debris and restore connectivity, reported The Indian Express.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rain in Tripura over the next two days. A red alert has been issued for South Tripura, while the rest of the state is under an orange alert.
A red alert requires authorities to “take action” in view of an extreme weather event, while an orange alert means that the administration is expected to “be prepared.”
