Agartala, Aug 23: More than 1,000 people have been affected by flooding in low-lying areas of Agartala and along the Haora River following heavy rainfall in the hill areas, prompting authorities to intensify rescue and relief operations, officials said on Sunday.
The Haora River witnessed a sharp rise in its water level late Saturday night, inundating several residential areas and entering homes in parts of West Tripura district.
Areas under the Sadar and Jirania subdivisions, particularly localities along the Haora River and Katakhal Canal, have been among the worst affected. Baldakhal, Chandrapur, Srilanka Basti, Aralia and Indranagar are also among the affected areas.
The administration has deployed four boats to evacuate people stranded in flooded areas, while personnel from the Tripura State Rifles, Tripura Police and other departments have been mobilised for rescue and relief operations.
Six relief camps have been opened and affected residents are being shifted to safer locations, officials said. Relief materials and other assistance are also being provided.
Chief Minister Manik Saha directed the concerned District Magistrates and Sub-Divisional Magistrates to take all necessary measures and ensure prompt assistance to affected residents.
“The concerned District Magistrates and Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been instructed to take all necessary and appropriate measures,” Saha said.
West Tripura District Magistrate Vishal Kumar said the flooding was triggered by heavy rainfall in the hill areas on Saturday, which caused the Haora River to rise sharply.
“Although there has been no significant rainfall today, we intensified rescue operations from the morning,” Kumar said.
The Water Resources Department said the Haora River has crossed the critical level and was flowing at around 10.90 metres. Officials warned that the river could approach the danger level if the situation deteriorates further.
Despite the flooding, no loss of life has been reported so far, Kumar said.
Authorities have urged residents of vulnerable and low-lying areas to remain alert and cooperate with the ongoing evacuation and rescue operations.
The administration, along with the Agartala Municipal Corporation and various line departments, is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of the situation.
