Agartala (Tripura) [India], July 10 (ANI): Heavy and continuous rainfall across Tripura has triggered severe flooding in South Tripura district, particularly in the Belonia subdivision, where the Muhuri River rose above critical levels. As of July 9, official sources confirmed that 757 people from 231 families have taken shelter in 12 relief camps set up by the district administration in response to the flood emergency.

Dipa Paul Majumder, Municipal Councillor, said, 'The floodwater remains at the same level as before. We are making continuous efforts to bring the situation under control, but it still remains dangerous. Water has entered people's homes, shops, everything. This flood has caused significant losses for many. We have provided shelter to people in a school that has been converted into a relief camp. According to the District Magistrate and officials of the Belonia district, all necessary arrangements have been made in this camp. Currently, more than 250 people are staying here.'

'There are a total of 31 children in the camp. We are providing food and all essential items for the children, and full meal arrangements have been made for the adults as well. Today, we prepared khichuri for everyone. Some people had earlier raised concerns about wanting rice instead of khichuri. I have informed the District Magistrate and the concerned officials about this issue,' she further added.

The situation worsened following relentless downpours on July 8, which led to widespread waterlogging and inundation of residential areas in Belonia. Floodwaters entered homes, displacing hundreds of families and prompting urgent rescue operations by the district administration.

Acting swiftly on emergency directives from the Chief Minister's Office, a 30-member team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was deployed in Belonia on Wednesday evening to aid in rescue and relief operations. Local authorities also mobilised State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams, with seven currently active across the district.

District Magistrate of South Tripura, Mohammad Sajad P, addressed the media on Wednesday evening, stating that while the situation has slightly improved, officials remain on high alert. He reported that rainfall has decreased since Wednesday afternoon, with water levels beginning to recede across multiple rivers. The Muhuri River at Bankar gauge station in Belonia, which had risen above 15.50 meters on Tuesday, dropped to 14.40 meters by Wednesday evening. The Feni River at Sabroom Bazar Ghat stood at 17 meters, while the Muhuri River at Jolaibari Kakulia RCC Bridge area was flowing below 24 meters, and the Lowgang River at Santirbazar Bridge was flowing below 19 meters.

While no relief camps were necessary in Sabroom, 19 families from flood-affected areas in Santirbazar were accommodated in four relief camps. Minister Shukla Charan Noatia on Wednesday handed over two high-powered rescue boats--each worth Rs 7.64 lakh--to the Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Belonia and Santirbazar. The district now maintains a fleet of ten boats to manage flood emergencies.

Meanwhile, in the Gomati district, although flooding has not been reported, officials are closely monitoring river levels. At Amarpur gauge station near Rangamati Bridge, the Gomati River reached 29.09 meters--approaching the danger mark of 30.50 meters. At Subhash Bridge in Udaipur, the river touched the flood level of 20.30 meters.

Ongoing embankment repair work along the Muhuri River--being carried out under the Chief Minister's direct supervision--has been fast-tracked to mitigate future flooding risks. Relief camp inmates are being provided with regular meals and medical support, ensuring continued care as the district recovers from the crisis. As water levels gradually recede, several affected families have started returning to their homes. Authorities, however, maintain round-the-clock vigilance as the situation evolves. (ANI)