**Agartala, August 23:** Continuous rainfall has pushed the Howrah River close to the danger mark, triggering a flood crisis in several parts of Khayerpur constituency and adjoining areas of West Tripura. Water levels rose sharply from early Sunday, inundating homes, roads and low-lying neighbourhoods, with Baldakhal among the worst-affected areas.
Residents rushed to move essential belongings to safer locations as floodwaters entered several vulnerable pockets. “The water rose unexpectedly before dawn, leaving us anxious about what comes next,” a local resident said.
Floodwaters have also entered Ranirbazar, Chaturdasha Devata Bari and other areas along the river. Aralia, Chandrapur and Baldakhal were extensively waterlogged following heavy rainfall on Saturday, while homes, cattle sheds and marketplaces were affected. Several families have moved to temporary relief camps as rescue operations continue.
Jirania Sub-Divisional Magistrate Animesh Dhar said boats had been deployed to evacuate residents from waterlogged areas. “Last night’s heavy rainfall caused sudden flooding in several areas. Many families, including children, a three-day-old infant, a physically challenged person and a stroke patient, have been rescued,” he said.
Four relief camps have been opened across Jirania subdivision. People have taken shelter in Mandai and Old Agartala, while camps at Chandrapur and Ranirbazar remain on standby. Food, medicines and milk for children have been stocked at the shelters.
Civil Defence teams, Scouts, Tripura State Rifles (TSR) battalions and NDRF personnel are involved in the rescue operation. Five boats are currently deployed, with another kept ready for emergency use.
Dhar said the river level was hovering around 10.86 metres, close to the red mark. “We are keeping strict watch. Until the water recedes, rescue teams will remain deployed,” he said.
Khayerpur MLA Ratan Chakraborty visited Chandrapur, Baldakhal and Sri Lanka Basti with senior officials. He said water had entered Moriamnagar, Kalinagar, Briddhinagar and parts of Debatabari.
Chakraborty said boats and relief teams had been kept ready in anticipation of flooding and several sick people and children had already been rescued. He also urged residents reluctant to leave their homes to move to safer shelters.
Officials said rainfall had eased but warned that further showers in the hills could worsen the situation. Rescue and relief teams remain on alert as authorities closely monitor the river level and affected areas.
