Torrential rain for over four hours wreaked havoc in Khowai sub-division on Tuesday, causing significant disruption to daily life and leading to waterlogging in several areas. The relentless downpour, which lasted from morning till evening, confined residents to their homes and rendered roads, markets, and public spaces deserted.

The continuous rain led to a significant reduction in attendance at schools, colleges, offices, and courts. Vehicular movement was also sparse, with minimal activity from autos and rickshaws in the district town. The number of passengers was notably low, and bus services between Khowai and the capital, Agartala, were significantly affected. Although no major flooding occurred, many low-lying areas experienced severe waterlogging. Notably, a vast region in the Rajnagar area of Tulasikhar block was submerged, marking a record high water level in the last ten years. The Khowai River, however, did not see a significant rise.

The dilapidated roads and streets in the district town, including the Durgapur and Bonkar areas, were further deteriorated due to the rain. Negligence by the PWD and Municipal Council exacerbated the situation, making commuting a nightmare.

Tragically, the rain claimed a life in the ADC Village area of Bonbazar under Champamura police station. A local villager, Dulal Namasudra (53), was struck by a loud thunderclap while retrieving his cow from the field. He fell unconscious and later died en route to the district hospital. Hospital sources confirmed that Namasudra suffered a heart attack due to the thunder’s deafening sound. His body was handed over to his family after an autopsy.

The power supply was disrupted throughout the day in various parts of the subdivision. Uprooted electricity poles, fallen trees, and severed power lines left many areas without electricity. Although power was restored in some regions, others remained in darkness late into the night.

Moreover, the Khowai-Teliamura road was closed for an extended period due to uprooted trees in the Ganki area. Prompt action by the sub-divisional administration eventually restored normalcy to the communication system.

The local authorities are working diligently to restore normalcy and address the damages caused by the torrential rain.