Tripura, a state in northeastern India, is grappling with what is being termed the worst flood crisis in three decades.
Incessant rainfall from Monday to Wednesday has led to catastrophic flooding, with several rivers surpassing danger and extreme danger levels. This deluge has tragically resulted in the deaths of 10 individuals and displaced over 34,000 people.
The southern districts of Tripura have been hit hardest by the floods. The displaced residents are being sheltered in northern parts of the state.
On Wednesday alone, rainfall totals reached an astonishing 375.8mm in Bagafa and 324.4mm in Belonia. The severe weather has forced the closure of schools on Wednesday and Thursday, with Tripura University also suspending classes on Wednesday.
The ongoing heavy rain, driven by a low-pressure system over Bangladesh, is expected to persist, with forecasts predicting an additional 100-150mm of rainfall through Thursday and Friday. As rivers remain at critical levels, the situation is anticipated to worsen further.
Hurricane Gilma intensifies to Category 3, tracking away from Hawaii’s coast.Across the border in Bangladesh, similar flooding has stranded nearly 3 million people.
Impassable roads have forced many residents to evacuate by boat and other makeshift methods, while road connections in several areas have been severed, isolating millions and complicating relief efforts. With the same low-pressure system responsible for the floods in Tripura, conditions in Bangladesh are expected to deteriorate as rainfall continues.
In the eastern Pacific, Hurricane Gilma has rapidly intensified, reaching major category 3 status early on Thursday morning. Located approximately 1,000 miles off the California peninsula, Gilma boasts sustained wind speeds of 115mph.
It is the first major hurricane of the season in the eastern Pacific. The storm is forecast to track west-northwest over the coming days and is expected to weaken by the weekend.
No coastal watches or warnings are in effect at this time, but the National Hurricane Center will continue to monitor the hurricane’s progress closely.