A massive landslide in Tripura’s South District has claimed seven lives, including that of a 3-year-old child. The tragic incident occurred in Gardang under the Santirbazar sub-division, where continuous heavy rainfall triggered the landslide. The victims were inside their house when the landslide struck, burying them under the debris.
Rescue operations were launched immediately after the incident was reported. However, the severity of the landslide and the continuous rainfall hampered the efforts of the rescue teams. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with local authorities, worked tirelessly to recover the bodies from the rubble. Despite their best efforts, all seven occupants of the house were found dead.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community. Neighbors and villagers gathered near the site, expressing their grief and disbelief. Many had known the victims personally, and the loss of the 3-year-old child has particularly saddened the community. The child’s parents were among the deceased, further compounding the tragedy.
Tripura has been experiencing relentless rainfall over the past few days, leading to several incidents of flooding and landslides across the state. The state government has been on high alert, with officials monitoring vulnerable areas and advising residents to move to safer locations. Despite these warnings, many families, including the one in Gardang, remained in their homes, either due to the lack of alternative shelter or because they underestimated the risk.
Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the government would provide all necessary support. “This is a heartbreaking incident. We will do everything in our power to assist the affected families and prevent such tragedies in the future,” he said in a statement.
The government has announced an ex-gratia payment to the families of the deceased. Additionally, the administration has been instructed to conduct a thorough assessment of the affected areas and take immediate measures to prevent further casualties. Emergency shelters have been set up in various locations across the state, and residents in landslide-prone areas are being evacuated as a precautionary measure.
Environmental experts have raised concerns about the increasing frequency of landslides in the region. They attribute this to a combination of factors, including deforestation, unplanned construction, and climate change. The continuous rainfall has saturated the soil, making it unstable and prone to landslides. Experts are calling for stricter regulations on construction in hilly areas and more robust measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters.
The incident has also highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness in Tripura. While the state has made progress in recent years, there are still gaps in early warning systems, infrastructure, and public awareness. Many residents in remote areas are not adequately informed about the risks of landslides or the steps they should take to protect themselves.
As the state grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, the focus is on providing relief to those affected and preventing further loss of life. The NDRF and state authorities are on standby, ready to respond to any new emergencies. Meanwhile, the weather department has forecast more rain in the coming days, raising concerns about additional landslides and flooding.
The Tripura government has urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with evacuation efforts. The priority now is to ensure the safety of the people and to avoid any repeat of the tragic incident in Gardang. The loss of seven lives, including a young child, serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of preparedness in the face of such disasters.