South Tripura Floods: 250 families shifted to 16 relief camps, Govt prepared

Floods triggered by relentless rainfall since July 8 have displaced 250 families comprising 840 individuals in South Tripura, forcing them to take shelter in 16 relief camps set up across Santirbazar and Belonia sub-divisions.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), four relief camps have been opened in Santirbazar sub-division, accommodating 83 people, while Belonia sub-division has 12 camps housing 757 individuals.

South Tripura District Magistrate Muhammad Sajad P, IAS, said the flood situation turned severe late Monday night as the Muhuri river in Belonia flowed above the extreme danger mark. “Fortunately, water levels have started receding since this morning,” he said.

“The Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, personally called and assured all necessary assistance. In Belonia alone, 231 families have been accommodated in relief camps, while in Santirbazar, 20 families have taken shelter,” the DM added.

To aid rescue and relief operations, two boats and an additional ten are operational across the district. Seven teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and one team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed.

“We are fully prepared to deal with the evolving situation,” the DM assured.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre in Agartala has issued a Red Alert for South Tripura on July 10, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. An Orange Alert has been issued for the remaining seven districts.

Belonia sub-division has recorded the highest rainfall at 295 mm so far. The Met Centre has forecast light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms across Tripura. Heavy rain (7–11 cm) with isolated very heavy rainfall (12–20 cm) is expected in South Tripura, as well as parts of Gomati, Sepahijala, and West districts.