Agartala, August 21, 2024 — Continuous heavy rainfall has led to the closure of all schools in Tripura for two days, as announced by Chief Minister Manik Saha. The decision comes in the wake of severe flooding that has resulted in seven fatalities, two missing persons, and the displacement of over 5,000 residents across the state.
Tripura Schools Closed: Government’s Response to the Crisis
The rainfall, which has persisted for more than 48 hours, has caused widespread flooding, particularly in the South Tripura and Gomati districts. To manage the crisis, the state government has set up 183 relief camps, providing shelter to 5,607 affected families. These camps are concentrated in West Tripura, South Tripura, and Khowai districts.
Chief Minister Saha stated on social media, “Due to the current situation and heavy rainfall, the government has declared a two-day closure for all schools on August 21st and 22nd. Additionally, all colleges will remain closed on August 21st. All students, teachers, and staff are requested to stay safe and follow the instructions.”
The government, in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), is actively involved in rescue and relief operations. “We urge all social organizations and citizens to contribute to the relief efforts. Every bit of help can make a significant difference,” Saha added.
Impact on Education and Infrastructure
In addition to the school closures, Tripura University has suspended all regular classes on August 21 due to the extreme weather. The university’s Registrar in-charge, Prof. Chinmoy Roy, confirmed this in a formal notification affecting all departments.
The heavy rainfall has also led to landslides in various parts of the state, blocking roads, including major National Highways. According to Revenue Department Secretary Brijesh Pandey, the water levels in South Tripura and Gomati districts have risen significantly, with some areas receiving over 300 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours.
Table: Rainfall in Affected Areas
| Region | Rainfall (Last 24 Hours) |
|---|---|
| Bagafa (South Tripura) | 375.8 mm |
| Belonia (South Tripura) | 324.4 mm |
| Amarpur (Gomati District) | 307.14 mm |
Tripura Schools Closed: Previous Disasters
Tripura has a history of severe weather events. Earlier this year, Cyclone ‘Remal’ displaced over 2,500 people and damaged 550 houses. In July, two children were injured in a mudslide in the Gomati district. Previous years have seen similar disasters, with significant damage to infrastructure and loss of life.
As Tripura continues to deal with the aftermath of the heavy rainfall, the state government’s primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of its residents. The community is urged to stay informed and adhere to official safety guidelines. Relief efforts are ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy.