Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
At least four persons were killed in landslides triggered by incessant rains in Tripura after flash floods that began on 18 May inundated several areas across four districts.
Saniram Debbarma, his wife Amritbala and their toddler son Abhi died after their house collapsed, while their older son Dipankar sustained serious injuries and is currently being treated at GB Hospital. In a different incident, the heavy downpour also claimed the life of Malindra Debbarma, a senior citizen.
As per the government website, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to the kin of the deceased.
Nearly 14,000 have taken shelter in 59 relief camps in the four flood-affected districts, officials said.
Gomati, Khowai, Sipahijala and West Tripura districts were hit by the flash floods, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) officer Sarat Das said.
Jirania and Mohanpur in West Tripura district were the worst affected, he said.
Haora river, which flows through Agartala, is close to the danger mark, the officials said.
A red alert has been sounded in Gomati district and adjacent Sonamura sub-division of Sipahijala district.
Rescue operations were being carried out by the Tripura State Rifles, the National Disaster Response Force and civil defence personnel, they said.
District Magistrate of West Tripura district Milind Ramteke told reporters 14 boats were pressed into service and over 700 families rescued.
Fourteen relief camps have been set up where food, medicines and other essential supplies have been made available, he added.
The Met department has issued warnings for thunderstorm, rainfall and strong winds in the next 24 hours.
(With inputs from PTI)
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