Several Parts Of Agartala Flooded As River Level Rises, Evacuation Underway

The Haora River in Tripura's capital, Agartala, has crossed the danger level following heavy overnight rainfall, prompting the administration to intensify rescue and relief operations in several low-lying areas.

Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Dhar said floodwaters entered homes in Agartala's Chandrapur-Baldakhal area late Saturday night as the river level rose sharply, forcing several residents to move out with essential belongings.

"Sudden heavy rainfall last night caused river levels to rise, forcing residents to evacuate with their belongings as water entered their homes. The displaced include a three-day-old baby, a disabled person, and a stroke patient from the Bolda Khal area," Dhar said.

He said rescue teams were continuing to assist residents stranded in inundated areas.

Four relief shelters have been opened across Jirania subdivision at Mandai, Old Agartala, Chandrapur, and Ranirbazar for residents of the Baldakhal area. Several people have already taken shelter at Mandai and Old Agartala, while the other centres had not seen permanent occupancy at the time of reporting.

Civil Defence personnel, scouts, teams from the TSR 10th and 2nd Battalions and the State Disaster Response Force have been deployed for rescue operations. Five boats are currently in service, while another has been kept on standby.

Dhar said there were no reports of major casualties or extensive damage so far. A detailed assessment would be carried out after the floodwaters recede.

The administration has also kept food, milk for children and other essential supplies ready for affected families.

Officials said the river level remained around the danger mark despite an improvement in weather and the cessation of rainfall.

"The administration will remain on alert, and rescue operations will continue until the water level starts receding and the situation returns to normal," Dhar said.

The exact number of people rescued could not be immediately confirmed, as many residents were moving in and out of the affected areas.