Rescue teams move 1,305 people to safety in Tripura

Emergency teams in India’s West Tripura district moved at least 1,305 people from inundated neighborhoods into 17 relief camps after overnight heavy rain triggered flash flooding.

Officials said the evacuees represented 413 families from low-lying communities, including Baldakhal, Srilankabasti, Kathakhal and part of Bambutia. Several localities beside the Howrah and Kathakhal rivers were flooded. Boats were deployed, while the district administration, police, National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force carried out rescue, relief and assistance work.

One 30-member NDRF team reported bringing 25 people, including a pregnant woman, to a safe location. The same team was also clearing a highway after a fallen tree blocked it, with water-rescue, search-and-rescue and first-response medical equipment available.

At the camps, authorities arranged food and baby food. During a visit to affected areas and a school serving as a shelter, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said river levels were slowly falling after crossing the danger level, and rain had stopped at that point. He said officials were monitoring the situation, with additional NDRF personnel held in reserve, while the state considered longer-term measures to reduce recurring flood risks.