Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Lash Tripura on Durga Puja Ashtomi Night; Festivities Disrupted, Several Districts on Alert
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, October 1, 2025
After Assam, heavy rainfall has now lashed various districts of Tripura, dampening the festive spirit of Durga Puja. On the auspicious night of Maha Ashtami, thousands of visitors stepped out to witness the grandeur of puja pandals, but sudden downpours accompanied by strong winds disrupted celebrations across the state. Many devotees were left stranded as roads turned waterlogged and pandal-hopping came to a halt.
In Teliamura town, residents faced severe hardships as thunderstorms struck with heavy rain and lightning, leading to a complete power outage across the area. Witnesses described the storm as fierce, with torrential rain battering the region and plunging the town into darkness.
Meanwhile, in Silchar, a major accident occurred when the decorative gate in front of a Durga Puja pandal near the Tarapur over-bridge collapsed due to gusty winds. The structure fell instantly on vehicles, including autos and cars, triggering panic among visitors. While no casualties have been officially confirmed yet, reports of property damage have surfaced.
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has issued alerts for Gomati, Sipahijala, South Tripura, and West Tripura districts. According to the special weather bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Agartala, light to moderate rain with heavy rainfall up to 11 cm is very likely at a few places. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also forecast at multiple locations, including West, Gomati, South Tripura, and Sepahijala districts, during the Durga Puja period.
The forecast for the coming days warns of continued adverse weather:
September 30: Thunderstorms with lightning and spells of heavy rain expected across several districts.
October 1 & 2: Light to moderate rain with one or two spells of intense rainfall, along with thunderstorms and lightning, very likely to occur in many areas.
Advisory:
Authorities have urged residents and pandal-hoppers to remain cautious, avoid waterlogged areas, and follow all SDMA guidelines. Officials reminded the public that danger never comes with a warning and emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety over celebrations during extreme weather conditions.
The unexpected spell of rain and storm has cast a shadow over the joyous Durga Puja festivities, leaving devotees disappointed but also highlighting the urgent need for preparedness and safety precautions during large-scale public gatherings.
more news...