Agartala: A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has rescued 25 people, including a pregnant woman, from flood-affected areas of Agartala after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and severe waterlogging across parts of Tripura.
The 30-member team from the 1st Battalion NDRF shifted the rescued residents to a safe location while also carrying out road-clearance operations after a fallen tree blocked a highway, officials said on Monday, August 24, 2026.
30-Member NDRF Team Conducts Rescue Operation
NDRF Inspector Ajeet Kumar said rescue personnel were deployed with specialised disaster-response equipment as flooding affected several parts of the state capital.
The team successfully evacuated 25 people, including the pregnant woman, and moved them to safety.
NDRF personnel were equipped with Water Rescue Operations equipment, Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue tools and Medical First Responder equipment, allowing teams to respond to multiple emergencies caused by the heavy rainfall.
Alongside flood rescues, personnel were working to clear a highway where a tree had fallen because of the rain and blocked traffic.
More Than 1,300 People Evacuated Across West Tripura
The NDRF rescue of 25 people forms part of a much larger evacuation effort underway across flood-affected areas.
According to district officials, at least 1,305 people belonging to 413 families had been evacuated from low-lying areas of West Tripura district and shifted to 17 relief camps by Sunday night.
Among the badly affected localities were Baldakhal, Srilankabasti, Kathakhal and parts of Bambutia.
Heavy rain during Saturday night caused rivers and drains to overflow, inundating several residential areas and forcing families to leave their homes.
Boats have also been deployed in affected locations to assist evacuation and emergency-response teams.
Haora River Crosses Danger Level
The flood situation became more serious after the Haora River in West Tripura crossed its danger mark.
According to Central Water Commission data cited in reports on Monday, the river was flowing at 10.72 metres at 8 AM, slightly above its danger level of 10.70 metres, with a rising trend recorded at the time.
The increase in river levels, combined with heavy rainfall, led to flash flooding and extensive waterlogging across multiple parts of Agartala.
Authorities are continuing to monitor water levels closely as weather conditions develop.
NDRF, SDRF and Police Carry Out Joint Relief Operations
The rescue mission involves multiple agencies.
Personnel from the:
- National Disaster Response Force
- State Disaster Response Force
- Police
- Sub-Divisional Administration
are conducting rescue, relief and assistance operations across affected areas.
Officials have also been working to clear blocked roads and ensure essential access to flooded neighbourhoods.
The deployment of specialised rescue teams is particularly important in low-lying areas where rising water can isolate homes and make normal road access impossible.
Tripura CM Manik Saha Visits Flood-Hit Areas
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha visited several affected areas and relief camps to review the situation and meet residents displaced by the flooding.
Saha visited areas including Ashram Chowmuhani and the relief camp established at Vivekananda School in Bardowali, where families affected by the floods have taken shelter.
The Chief Minister said the administration was working continuously to ensure the safety of residents and provide necessary assistance.
He also said the government would examine longer-term solutions to address recurring flooding in vulnerable parts of the state.
Heavy Rain in Baramura Hills Worsens Flood Situation
Officials said heavy rainfall in the Baramura Hills contributed to sudden water inflow into parts of West Tripura and Khowai districts.
Low-lying settlements located near the Haora and Kathakhal rivers were particularly affected.
Authorities said the current flooding resembles conditions seen during serious floods in Tripura in August 2024, highlighting the recurring vulnerability of some areas during periods of intense rainfall.
Relief Camps Providing Support to Families
Residents evacuated from flooded homes are being accommodated in relief camps established by the administration.
Arrangements are being made to provide food and other essential supplies, including baby food, to affected families.
Officials and disaster-response teams remain on alert as authorities monitor river levels, rainfall and conditions in vulnerable neighbourhoods.
Rescue Operations Continue
The successful rescue of the pregnant woman and 24 other residents highlights the ongoing emergency response in flood-hit Agartala.
However, with more than 1,300 people already evacuated across West Tripura, the situation remains significant and authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations.
NDRF, SDRF, police and local administration teams remain deployed as officials work to assist stranded residents, clear blocked roads and support families staying in relief camps.
Authorities have advised residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local disaster-management officials as the situation continues to be monitored.
Source – ANI / PTI
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