The Agartala centre of India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall across Tripura until July 12, warning of possible flooding, water logging, landslides and disruption to normal life in several parts of the state.
According to a press release issued by the Meteorological Centre, Agartala on Friday evening, the prevailing weather conditions are being influenced by the active Monsoon trough extending across Northern India, a persistent upper-air cyclonic circulation over east Bangladesh and adjoining areas, and another cyclonic circulation over Northeast Assam. These systems are expected to bring abundant moisture into Tripura, resulting in widespread rainfall over the next few days.
During the past 24 hours, Sabroom in South Tripura recorded the highest rainfall of 83.5 mm, followed by Mohanbhog in Sepahijala (69.6 mm), Khumulwng in West Tripura (59.5 mm), Udaipur in Gomati (50 mm) and Khowai (36.2 mm).
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall (7–20 cm) at isolated places over West, Khowai, Sepahijala, Gomati and South Tripura districts until the morning of July 11, while heavy rainfall (7–11 cm) is likely over the remaining districts.
For the period between July 11 and July 12, heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over West, Sepahijala and South Tripura with issuing of ‘Orange’ warning and with heavy rainfall likely across the rest of the state with warning of ‘Yellow’.
On July 12–13, heavy rainfall is expected to continue with ‘Orange’ warning at isolated places over West, Khowai, Sepahijala, Gomati and South Tripura districts.
The weather office has cautioned that the intense rainfall may trigger flooding and water logging in low-lying areas, disrupt road transport, damage roads and bridges, increase the risk of landslides, affect tourism and agricultural activities, and cause temporary power outages. Authorities have been advised to remain on high alert, undertake evacuation and relief measures where necessary, monitor landslide-prone areas, clear blocked roads, and provide timely updates to the public.
Within seven days flooded situation in the ‘Smart City’ Agartala due to incessant Monsoon rain, which lashed the city for over hours, again on Friday morning the heavy downpour for hours brought widespread water logging across the state capital, disrupting normal life and exposing the city's poor drainage infrastructure.
The incessant rain on July 3rd and July 7th evening have virtually exposed the drainage system and smart city’s flood water pumping across Agartala and majority of low-lying localities in Agartala were partially or completely submerged as rainwater accumulated on roads, severely affecting traffic movement. Major roads witnessed water logging, leading to traffic congestion in several parts of the city and causing inconvenience to commuters.
The rain, accompanied by lightning and moderate winds, intensified on Friday (July 7) morning again, inundating several residential and commercial areas. Although Monsoon showers have been occurring intermittently across Tripura since the beginning of July, Friday's downpour had a significant impact on normal life in the state capital in the early hours.