Tripura has been declared a “Natural Calamity Affected Area” by the Tripura Disaster Management Authority (TDMA). This declaration comes as an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visits the state to assess damage from recent floods and landslides.
The six-member IMCT arrived on Wednesday and toured the worst-hit Gomati and South Tripura districts on Thursday. The TDMA, led by Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, made the declaration due to severe damage and loss of life.
Relief, Rehabilitation, and Disaster Management Secretary Brijesh Pandey explained that the declaration reflects the extensive damage to public and private property. The IMCT is evaluating damage to crops, infrastructure, roads, buildings, and homes.
The IMCT, led by B.C. Joshi from the Ministry of Home Affairs, includes officials from Agriculture, Finance, Jal Shakti, Rural Development, and Road Transport and Highways.
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Earlier, Chief Minister Manik Saha reported that preliminary damage estimates reach Rs 15,000 crore, with potential increases following further assessments. The floods have claimed at least 32 lives and impacted over 17 lakh people.
Currently, around 53,000 individuals are in 346 relief camps across flood-affected districts. Landslides have occurred at 2,066 locations, affecting major highways, including National Highway 8.
Initial estimates suggest that approximately 20,300 houses have been damaged. Efforts to repair 1,000 drinking water schemes are underway, with remaining sources being addressed urgently.
On August 27, 4,734 schools reopened, but 163 schools remain closed due to being used as relief camps or being severely damaged. These schools are in Dhalai, Sepahijala, Gomati, and South Tripura.
The state government has allocated Rs 79 crore to eight districts for relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts.