Members of Tripura State Rifles rescue people stranded in the flooded area due to heavy rains in Agartala on August 20, 2024 | Image Credit: ANI

At least three people, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed when incessant rains caused floods and landslides in various parts of Tripura. The SDRF and emergency response teams were deployed for rescue and relief operations.

Officials reported that two people, including the boy, were killed in Khowai district, while 52-year-old Maiung Reang was killed in a landslide in Karbook in Gomati district. There are also reports of some missing persons, the exact details of which are yet to be ascertained.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha said in a statement on Tuesday that district administrations have been directed to take appropriate measures to prioritise public safety and mitigate the impact of the flood.

Two dozen relief camps have been opened to accommodate people stranded due to floods and heavy rains. District magistrates of West Tripura, Khowai, South Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala districts are currently assessing the situation on the ground.

West Tripura District Magistrate Dr. Vishal Kumar stated that the water level of the Howrah river was near the danger limit. Khowai District Magistrate Chandni Chandran reported that the water level of the Khowai river was being monitored.

The heavy rains have also flooded several towns in Agartala and surrounding areas. Officials said nine SDRF teams are working to evacuate the affected people and shift them to makeshift camps in the flood-affected areas.

Landslides have also occurred, bringing traffic to a standstill on two highways. Trees have fallen on some roads, complicating traffic on the Assam-Agartala national highway.

Elsewhere, two vehicles, including an ambulance, were hit by landslides on Khowai and Kamalpur highways, but no casualties were reported.