Reported by Mrinal Banik

Agartala: Severe storms accompanied by heavy rain and thunderstorms caused widespread destruction across Tripura on April 27 and 28, damaging at least 1,534 houses in different districts of the state. Two people were injured during the adverse weather, while road communication and electricity supply were badly affected in many areas.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, no fatalities have been reported so far. However, 129 electric poles were damaged and several roads were blocked after trees were uprooted by strong winds.

Unakoti district recorded the highest damage. In Kailashahar subdivision, 518 houses were affected, including 26 that were completely damaged and 33 that suffered major damage. In Dharmanagar subdivision of North Tripura district, 136 houses were damaged.

Dhalai district also witnessed losses. Ambassa reported damage to 23 houses, while Kamalpur and Gandatwisa subdivisions recorded 97 affected houses each. In Longtharai Valley, 55 houses were impacted, including 20 that were fully damaged.

Sepahijala district faced considerable destruction as well, with 61 houses damaged in Bishalgarh, 91 in Sonamura and 98 in Jampuijala. Fallen trees blocked roads in several areas, though restoration work has already begun.

In West Tripura district, Sadar subdivision reported 28 road blockages, all of which were later cleared. Mohanpur subdivision recorded damage to 37 houses due to heavy rain and hailstorm.

Khowai district reported 41 damaged houses in Teliamura and another 44 in Khowai subdivision.

Gomati district saw multiple road blockages in Karbook, Udaipur and Amarpur subdivisions. Two people were injured in Kakraban under Udaipur subdivision. The district also reported major damage to power infrastructure, with 81 electric poles affected in Udaipur and 48 in Amarpur.

South Tripura district reported 59 partially damaged houses in Sabroom and 177 houses in Belonia, including 27 that were fully destroyed.

Officials said damage assessment is continuing in several affected areas. Financial relief measures for impacted families have already started in some subdivisions.

Authorities also stated that river levels across the state remain below danger marks in most places. However, the Juri river in Dharmanagar was flowing slightly above the expected flood level.

Rainfall data showed heavy showers in several regions. Kamalpur in Dhalai district received the highest rainfall at 159 mm. Khowai recorded 121.4 mm, while Kanchanpur received 120.8 mm.

The weather department has predicted light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places over the next 24 hours. Thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds reaching up to 80 kmph may occur in isolated areas.

Chief Minister Manik Saha said the government is taking all necessary steps to support affected residents.

He stated that houses and electric poles were damaged in several districts due to the storm and heavy rain, adding that district administrations have already taken required measures. He further assured that the state government stands with the affected people and is committed to providing every possible assistance.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh weather bulletin forecasting widespread rain and thunderstorms across Tripura over the next seven days. Heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds and disruptions to normal life are likely in some areas.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Agartala, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected in all districts from April 28 to May 5. Weather activity is likely to remain strongest during the first two days, with isolated places expected to receive between 7 cm and 20 cm rainfall.

On April 28 and 29, districts such as Khowai and West Tripura may experience thunderstorms with lightning and wind speeds of 60 to 80 kmph in isolated places. Other districts may see winds of 50 to 60 kmph along with heavy rain. Conditions are expected to gradually improve after May 1, though rain and thunderstorms may continue in many areas.

The bulletin also noted that maximum temperatures are likely to stay 5 to 6 degrees Celsius below normal for the next three to four days, while minimum temperatures are expected to remain close to normal.

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