Incessant rainfall over the past few days has caused the Deo and Manu rivers in Tripura’s Kumarghat sub-division to overflow, inundating low-lying areas. The floods have also caused extensive damage to agriculture in the sub-division, submerging crops.
The excessive rainfall has also submerged canals and wetlands. Several areas in Kumarghat, including Shibthali, Halaimura, Indira Colony in Fatikchara, and Rajnagar (Lower), have been submerged by floodwaters, causing damage to the affected residents.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the administration opened relief camps to shelter those affected by the floods. However, flood victims in Rajnagar (Lower) of Fatikchara raised allegations of administrative apathy. Tuhid Mia and Faraj Mia, who are flood-affected, alleged that no one came to their rescue even though they were trapped in their homes with their families. They further claimed that they were forced to spend days trapped in their homes due to the lack of boat arrangements to cross the floodwaters. They are demanding that the administration compensate them for the losses incurred due to the floods.
The rising water levels in the Deo River in Kumarghat have caused a breach in the river embankment. The old Shibbari Road in Kumarghat, which also serves as the embankment for the Deo River, is in danger of collapsing into the river. The force of the water has caused cracks to appear on the road, prompting the authorities to close it to traffic.
It is noteworthy that just a month ago, sandbags were placed along the riverbank as part of repairing the embankment. Locals criticized the work’s quality at the time, calling it a “whale hunting attempt with a toothpick.”
Their fears have now been realised, as the sandbags have been washed away by the floodwaters within a month, failing to prevent riverbank erosion. If this embankment breaks, a vast area, including Halaimura and Nidebi, will be inundated, affecting numerous families.
Despite being aware of the situation, the Kumarghat Sub-Division’s Flood Control Department reportedly took no action. Locals are demanding that the authorities take appropriate measures to prevent the embankment from breaking, ensuring the work is of high quality.
A ray of hope is emerging as the flood water starts to recede.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
