Red Alert Issued in Tripura as Monsoon Rains Trigger Floods; CM Reviews Situation, Relief Measures in Full Swing: Brijesh Pandey
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, June 1, 2025
Shri Brijesh Pandey, IAS, Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management along with Dr Vishal Kumar, IAS and Director Magistrate of West Tripura district today addressed a press conference to brief the media on the prevailing flood situation in Tripura following incessant rainfall over the past two days. “As per the press release issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Agartala Centre, the active monsoon conditions coupled with significant moisture incursion have led to widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tripura on 31st May and 1st June 2025,” he informed.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Shri Pandey said, “In view of the prevailing and forecasted weather conditions, a Red Alert has been issued to all districts, indicating a high likelihood of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in some places for today and tomorrow.” He added that the Chief Minister is regularly reviewing the situation and monitoring the developments closely. “I am in constant touch with all the District Magistrates, and they have taken all possible preparatory measures to tackle any emerging situation,” he assured.
Sharing the rainfall statistics for the last 24 hours, the Revenue Secretary said, “The highest recorded rainfall has been at Bodhjung Nagar in West Tripura with 198.5 mm, followed by Kailashahar in Unakoti with 192.2 mm, Jirania in West Tripura with 175.5 mm, and Agartala with 140 mm.”
On rescue operations, Shri Pandey stated, “A total of 14 rescue teams have been deployed at various locations—11 in West Tripura and 3 in Unakoti. These include teams from NDRF, SDRF, Assam Rifles, Fire & Emergency Services, and Civil Defence, including Aapda Mitra and Bharat Scouts and Guides volunteers.” He emphasized that all agencies are working round the clock to ensure prompt response and rescue.
Speaking about the relief measures, he said, “A total of 60 relief camps have been opened across the affected districts, 48 in West Tripura, 3 each in Khowai and Unakoti, and 6 in North Tripura
sheltering approximately 2,800 families and around 10,600 individuals.”
On the issue of blocked roads and damage to infrastructure, Shri Pandey said, “Several roads were temporarily blocked due to fallen trees and landslides in districts like North Tripura, Unakoti, Dhalai, and West Tripura. However, swift and coordinated action by Community Volunteers, SDRF, Forest Department, PWD, and Quick Response Teams has led to clearance of many routes. Our teams continue to remain on standby for further operations.”
Regarding damage to housing, he stated, “Preliminary data indicates that a total of 201 houses have been damaged 92 severely and 109 partially. These damages have been reported primarily from the districts of Gomati, Khowai, Sepahijala, and North Tripura. A detailed assessment is currently underway.”
He also provided an update on the river situation, saying, “At 5 PM today, the Howrah River level at Agartala stood at 10.91 meters, which is above the danger mark. However, it has remained stagnant since morning and has now started showing a receding trend. Authorities are closely monitoring river levels to take timely preventive measures.”
Shri Pandey confirmed that the state’s top leadership has remained active on the ground. “This afternoon, the Chief Minister, accompanied by the Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), the Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation, myself, the District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police of West Tripura, and other senior officials visited flood affected areas and relief camps. These included Chandrapur, Pratapgarh English Medium School, Vivekananda School, Pragati School, Tulsibati School, and B. R. Ambedkar School,” he said.
During the visit, he noted, “The Chief Minister interacted with affected residents and inmates of relief camps, patiently listened to their concerns, and reassured them of the Government’s full support and commitment to provide all necessary assistance and timely relief.”
On urban flooding, Shri Pandey explained, “Agartala has 17 pump houses which help drain the city’s stormwater into the Howrah and Katakhal rivers. Yesterday, due to extremely high precipitation recorded within a span of just two hours, water stagnation occurred in several areas. However, the system is effective and the stagnation was mostly resolved within 2–3 hours.”
Finally, issuing a public advisory, Shri Pandey urged, “Citizens are advised not to panic and avoid venturing near rivers and low lying areas.
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