Over 16,000 hit & 12,000 displaced as situation worsens in Tripura

AGARTALA: The flood situation in most parts of Tripura took a turn for the worse due to incessant rainfall for the fourth consecutive day on Monday. Over 16,000 people in five of the state's eight districts have been affected and over 12,000 have been shifted to relief camps. The state has recorded 256.7mm rainfall since July 11 and the IMD has forecast heavy rain for the next two days as well.
Rain led to the collapse of a part of the embankment along the Haora river behind the Fourteen Goddess temple in Khyerpur where the traditional Kharchi festival was going on. No casualty was reported and TSR jawans and Assam Rifles personnel were pressed into service to repair the embankment. Flooding occurred in many areas of Agartala and, officials said, all 13 pumps in the city were being operated to get water out from the low-lying areas.
The worst affected areas in Agartala city are Srilanka Basti, Baldakhal, Ambedkar Colony and Pratapgarh.
Government data stated 16,377 persons from 4,098 families have been affected and 63 relief camps have been set up in West Tripura and Khowai. Three districts - Sepahijala, South Tripura and Gomati - are only partially affected. Government officials said manpower as well as boats and other equipment have been mobilised from the NDRF, TSR and Assam Rifles for effective rescue operations.
Officials said the water resource department is keeping close watch on the water levels in the Haora and Katakhal rivers. The Khowai river is flowing below the danger mark.