22 Dead as Torrential Rain and Landslides Ravage Tripura, India

At least 22 people have died and two others are missing in Tripura due to continuous rainfall and landslides over the past few days, officials reported. The heavy downpour has forced around 65,400 residents to seek refuge in 450 relief camps as their homes were damaged.

Relief Efforts and Government Response

Chief Minister Manik Saha shared on Facebook that ten individuals were buried under debris following landslides in Ashwani Tripura Para and Debipur in Santirbazar. He expressed his condolences, stating, "I convey my deepest condolence to the families of the victims. This is an irreparable loss. The state government has announced payment of Rs 4 lakh to each victim's family as financial assistance."

Brijesh Pandey, Secretary of the Revenue Department, earlier confirmed that 12 people had died due to the heavy rainfall. He mentioned, "So far, 12 people have lost lives and two persons are missing. Preliminary reports suggest extensive damage to physical infrastructure and agriculture crops along with damage to houses and livestock. The actual figures will be known after a field assessment is conducted."

Impact on Infrastructure and Agriculture

The relentless rain has affected approximately 17 lakh people in the northeastern state. Landslides have been reported at 2,032 locations, with 1,789 sites already cleared. Restoration work continues at the remaining spots. Erosion has also damaged roads at 1,952 locations.

The Centre has provided two helicopters to airlift stranded individuals in Gomati and South Tripura districts. Over 750 people have been evacuated across the state, according to a release from Assam Rifles. "Riflewomen of Assam Rifles are leading the relief and rescue operations in Tripura. Four rescue columns were launched in various parts of the state, including East Kanchanbari, Kumarghat, Unakoti district, Amarpur of Gomati district, Bishalgarh, Sepahijala and Tripura West," it stated.

Weather Forecast and Precautions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in many parts of Tripura on Thursday and Friday. Due to the adverse weather conditions, all educational institutions across the state will remain closed on Friday.

The situation remains critical as authorities continue rescue operations and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the incessant rains and landslides.