10 dead, over 34,000 displaced as heavy rain causes flood in India’s Tripura

At least 10 people have been killed after heavy rainfall in Agartala, the capital city of the Indian state of Tripura, led to floods as the Gomati River overflows, the Hindustan Times reports.

As many as 34,100 people from 6,620 families have taken shelter in 346 relief camps spread across eight districts of Tripura, according to an official of the State Emergency Operations Center.

The state revenue department said ten people have died due to drowning and landslides, while two were injured.

The state government has announced a holiday for all educational institutions on Thursday and Friday.

Areas like Dharmanagar in North Tripura, Kailashahar, Kumarghat in Unakoti district, Kamalpur, Longtraivalley and Gandacherra in Dhalai district, Bishalgarh and Sonamura in Sepahijala, Teliamura and Khowai in Khowai district, Udaipur, Karbook and Amarpur in Gomati district, Sabroom, Belonia, Santirbazaar in South Tripura district and extensive areas of Sadar and Jirania sub-division in West Tripura district including Agartala city saw extensive waterlogging and flood-like situation.

Rescue teams continued to work round the clock to rescue people from vulnerable areas as the water level in most rivers in the state was flowing above the danger level in different locations.

On the government opening floodgates at Dumboor dam, which is the reservoir of Gumti hydro-electric power project at Gomati district, Tripura power minister Ratan Lal Nath said no such steps were taken and excessive water overflew from the dam after water crossed the reservoir’s holding capacity of 94 metres.

“No gate of the Gumti hydro-electric project has been opened. The reservoir’s capacity is to hold water up to 94 metres. Water will automatically escape through the gate when it crosses this mark. There is no reason to panic as the administration is fully aware of the situation,” the minister said in a social media post.

Landslides were reported in many areas, including national highways, that were blocked after trees fell due to heavy rainfall.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha visited the flood affected areas on Wednesday.

He said the officials in different districts were working to extend support to the flood-affected people. He also urged all social organisations to extend their assistance in this crisis.