Agartala: Heavy pre-monsoon rains lashed several parts of Tripura over the weekend, leaving behind a trail of destruction, especially in low-lying and hilly regions. More than 400 houses have been damaged, and at least two people were injured as gusty winds, lightning, and incessant rainfall battered parts of the state. Several areas witnessed long hours of power disruption, uprooted trees, and severe waterlogging, prompting emergency responses from local administration and disaster management teams.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued a yellow alert for Tripura, warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall between Friday and Sunday. As the state continues to grapple with the aftermath, authorities have intensified relief efforts and damage assessment, while also urging citizens to remain indoors and cautious as unstable weather conditions persist.
Key Updates from Across the State
1. Over 400 Houses Damaged:
Preliminary reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) indicate that at least 410 houses across districts like West Tripura, Gomati, Sepahijala, and Dhalai have been partially or fully damaged due to strong winds and falling trees. Tin roofs were ripped off, walls collapsed, and in some cases, entire structures were submerged in water.
In Belonia subdivision of South Tripura, dozens of families had to be temporarily relocated after their homes became uninhabitable. District authorities have set up relief shelters and distributed tarpaulin sheets and dry food to affected families.
2. Two Injured in Storm-Related Incidents:
Officials confirmed that two individuals were injured in separate incidents involving tree falls and flying debris. One of the injured, a 42-year-old farmer in Khowai district, suffered a head injury when a coconut tree fell on his hut. He is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.
3. Electricity Supply Severely Disrupted:
Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) reported major disruptions in the power supply, particularly in Agartala city, Udaipur, and Kailashahar. Falling trees and lightning strikes damaged transformers and snapped overhead power lines in several areas. Emergency repair crews have been deployed, but restoration work is ongoing and could take longer in rural pockets.
In the capital city Agartala, power was disrupted for several hours in neighborhoods such as Ramnagar, Krishnanagar, and Indranagar, causing inconvenience to residents and affecting communication networks.
4. Roads Blocked, Waterlogging Widespread:
The incessant rains have also triggered severe waterlogging in urban areas, including Agartala and Dharmanagar. Several roads remained submerged in knee-deep water on Sunday morning, hampering movement and causing traffic disruptions. In hilly areas, fallen trees and minor landslides have blocked internal roads, with PWD and forest teams working round the clock to clear debris.
5. Schools Closed and Exams Postponed:
As a precautionary measure, the state education department has ordered the closure of schools in the worst-affected areas on Monday. Some internal assessments and local board exams scheduled for the day have also been postponed until further notice.
Government’s Response and Relief Measures
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha took stock of the situation during a high-level review meeting on Sunday evening. He instructed all district magistrates to coordinate closely with the Disaster Management Authority and ensure timely aid to those affected. He also directed the health department to remain alert for any disease outbreaks due to stagnant water and unhygienic conditions.
“In this hour of distress, our priority is the safety and rehabilitation of the people. Quick action teams have been activated, and relief materials are being dispatched. We stand by every citizen affected by this calamity,” CM Saha said in a statement.
Outlook Ahead
The IMD has forecast that the rain is likely to ease in the next 24 to 48 hours, although isolated thunderstorms may continue. Authorities are advising citizens, especially those in vulnerable and low-lying areas, to remain cautious and follow weather alerts.
With the monsoon season just weeks away, the recent spell serves as a grim reminder of Tripura’s vulnerability to weather extremes. The state administration is now reviewing preparedness and infrastructure resilience to minimize future risks.
