Floods in Tripura: 31 Lives Lost, Thousands in Relief Camps
Recent floods in Tripura, caused by continuous rainfall from August 19 to 23, have resulted in 31 deaths, 2 injuries, and 1 missing person, according to the state government. Over 53,000 people are currently in relief camps, with 369 camps operational across the state.
The District Administration is providing necessary relief, including food, drinking water, and medical help. Over 27,000 food packets have been distributed so far. The water level of the Gomati River at Sonamura has decreased but remains above flood level.
Three teams of the State Disaster Response Force (TSR) and two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are working on relief operations in Gomati and Sepahijala districts. About 500 volunteers from Civil Defence and Aapda Mitra are also engaged in relief efforts.
The situation is being closely monitored by the highest levels of government. The Chief Minister held a review meeting on the flood situation, focusing on providing instant relief, drinking water, health, and sanitation, and expediting restoration measures.
In urban areas, over 32,000 people (8,000 families) were safely evacuated and sheltered in camps, where they received food, water, and medical care. Damaged water treatment plants and deep tube wells in Agartala city were promptly restored, and nine water tankers have been deployed in areas lacking drinking water.
Efforts to prevent waterborne diseases include regular cleaning of toilets, disinfectant spraying, and maintaining a hygienic environment in shelter houses. A waste management SOP for safe sanitation practices has been released for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to follow.
A preliminary assessment estimates the damage to assets in ULBs at around Rs. 306 crore. To address health concerns, doctors have visited relief camps 1,107 times, treating 35,477 people, and conducted 1,650 health camps for over 45,000 people. The Health Department will procure ORS packets, halogen tablets, zinc tablets, and other necessary medicines for disinfection and anti-diarrhea measures.
An Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), led by BC Joshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi, has arrived in Agartala for on-the-spot assessments. The team includes officials from various sectors, and the state government will provide all necessary assistance for their field visit to the affected areas.
Doubts Revealed
Tripura -: Tripura is a small state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage.
Relief Camps -: Relief camps are temporary places where people can stay when they lose their homes due to disasters like floods. They get food, water, and medical help there.
Gomati River -: The Gomati River is a river that flows through Tripura. When it rains a lot, the river can overflow and cause floods.
State Government -: The state government is the group of people who manage and make decisions for the state of Tripura. They help during emergencies like floods.
Disaster Response Teams -: Disaster response teams are groups of trained people who help during emergencies like floods, earthquakes, or fires. They rescue people and provide necessary aid.
Inter Ministerial Central Team -: An Inter Ministerial Central Team is a group of experts from different government departments. They visit places affected by disasters to see how much damage has happened and what help is needed.