Under the influence low pressure over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand, the heavy rainfall lashed major parts of Tripura, worsening the flood situation in several places, even as the MET department forecast more downpours in the state over the next two days and issued ‘yellow’ warning with heavy rainfall prediction across the state.

As incessant Monsoon rainfall struck Tripura since Wednesday morning and low-lying areas and areas adjacent to many rivers flooded with rain water and disturbed normal life. The worst flood situation has been reported from Belonia, Santirbazar and Amarpur subdivisions of South and Gomati districts.

The fresh flood at the adjoining areas of rivers Muhuri in Belonia subdivision, Gomati in Amarpur subdivision  and other parts of the state including in Dumbur lake  after incessant rain during the last 48 hours under the influence of strengthening of Monsoon in Tripura, rendered many families became homeless in all low lying areas.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Agartala South Tripura district has been receiving continuous rainfall for the past 48 hours and flood like situations in Sabroom and Belonia.

According to the IMD report, Belonia has received the highest rainfall of 214.40 mm, whereas the rainfall in Sabroom and Bagafa has been recorded as 152.00 mm and 80.00 mm respectively.

Official sources said that the heavy rainfall has caused rising water levels in the rivers Muhuri and  Lawgang. Presently, the water level of Muhuri is at 26.60 meters, which exceeds the expected flood level of 23.60 meters but below the critical level of 27.50 meters. The Lawgang is at 24.50 meters, which is flowing above the danger level of 24.00 meters.

The State’s Disaster Management sources said that the water level of the Muhuri river has crossed safe limits. Shelters have been made ready and miking for precautionary evacuation started. Action taken for shifting of water-logged families from Belonia and Santirbazar urban areas has also been initiated by the subdivisional administrations.

Sources added that  six houses have so far been partly damaged in Belonia and necessary support is being extended to the affected families. Initiatives have already been taken to clear the roads blocked due to the falling of trees due to heavy showers.

Aapda Mitra and Civil Defence Volunteers, TSR, TSECL, Forest and other quick response teams are on standby and will be pressed into action if the situation worsens.

Official sources also said that there is no need to panic, the administration is closely monitoring the overall situation and prepared to deal with any eventuality and appealed to the people residing in the district to stay alert and contact the local administration in case of any emergency.

Meanwhile, there are reports of damages to crops and destroyed electric lines due to incessant rains in several parts of the state.

India Meteorological department (IMD) Agartala station in its weather forecast  has also issued warning “Yellow” warning for all districts of Tripura and predicted thunderstorm with lightning is very likely to occur at isolated places over the districts of Tripura and heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places over South Tripura district.

Under the influence of low pressure, all the districts of Tripura including the capital city Agartala since early morning of Wednesday  receiving incessant rain and disturbing normal life across the state.

The IMD bulletin said it predicted an increase in rainfall activity accompanied by heavy rain at isolated places in Tripura on Saturday and Sunday.

The IMD said that visibility was likely to become poor owing to intense rainfall. Temporary disruption of traffic due to water logging, uprooting of trees, and damage to vulnerable structures and kutcha houses and huts are also likely. The warning also spelt out possibilities of flash floods leading to waterlogging and flooding in low-lying areas. Landslides and mudslides are also very likely in some areas. Possible crop damage and lightning risks for people and cattle have also been mentioned.

The government has issued a set of advisories to assess the situation regularly and alert the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Tripura State Rifles (TSR), fire and emergency services, trained volunteers and quick response teams if necessary. The government has also directed that equipment like boats, life jackets and other flood rescue items be kept ready.

Authorities were asked to evacuate people from low-lying areas to safe shelters and start providing relief if needed, to monitor the status of river flows, embankments and catchment areas and to take immediate preventive and preparedness measures.

However, no confirmation of people being sheltered in any relief camp was available till the latest reports came in.

The showers have further cooled the air in the state capital with maximum temperatures plunging to near 26.8 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature recorded at 24.4 degrees Celsius on Friday.