The devastating floods in Tripura have claimed 31 lives, with two others injured and one person still missing, officials confirmed during a press conference held at the Agartala Press Club.
The briefing, led by Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey, Public Works Department and Health Secretary Kiran Gitte, and Secretary of the Power Department Abhishek Singh, provided a grim update on the ongoing disaster.
Revenue Secretary Brijesh Pandey reported that 492 relief camps are currently operational across the state, sheltering over 72,000 displaced individuals.
“The District Administration is tirelessly working to ensure that necessary relief materials, including food, drinking water, and medical aid, are provided to those in need,” Pandey stated.
He also mentioned the distribution of clothes to approximately 300 people in the severely affected Amarpur and Karbook sub-divisions.
The situation remains critical in certain areas, particularly near the Gomati River at Sonamura, which continues to flow above the danger mark.
The state’s Disaster Management Authority has released Rs. 69 crore to support the eight flood-hit districts, with an additional Rs. 5 crore allocated to both the Agriculture and Power Departments, bringing the total relief fund to Rs. 79 crore.
In response to the state government’s request, the central government has dispatched an advance Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) led by B.C. Joshi, Joint Secretary (Foreigners Division) from the Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi.
The Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) is expected to arrive on Wednesday for an on-the-spot assessment of the flood situation.
Health concerns are also a priority in the flood response.
“Doctors have made 1,207 visits to relief camps, treating 35,993 people. Additionally, 1,799 health camps have been conducted, serving 42,800 individuals,” informed Kiran Gitte. The Health Department is procuring 2,000 bags of bleaching powder, large quantities of halogen and zinc tablets, and various other medicines to combat potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
A committee headed by Prashant Badal Negi, Director of the Tourism Department, along with officers from other departments, has been established to coordinate with NGOs in collecting and redistributing donated relief materials.
Pandey further highlighted the efforts to restore essential services, reporting that 977 out of 3,273 drinking water schemes have been restored.
“We are working urgently to repair the remaining water sources, ensuring all drinking water is tested and meets BIS quality standards. District Magistrates have been instructed to provide safe drinking water through tankers whenever necessary,” he added.
(Tripura, Tripura News)
