Agartala | Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Sunday visited several flood-affected areas and relief camps in the state and said the government was working on long-term measures to address the recurring flood problem.

Saha visited flood-hit areas and relief camps at Vivekananda School in Bardowali and Ashram Chowmuhani, where he interacted with affected residents and reviewed the relief arrangements.

The Chief Minister said the administration was on high alert and officials at different levels were working round the clock to deal with the situation. Referring to the situation in Khowai and West Tripura districts, Saha said several areas were inundated following heavy rainfall, including in the Barmura Hills.

He noted that similar flooding had occurred in August 2024 and said the government was examining measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. Saha said the Haora river had crossed the danger mark but its water level was gradually receding, providing some relief.

“Everyone is working, starting from the District Magistrate to the Secretary,” the Chief Minister said, adding that he had remained in contact with officials while visiting Amarpur for an official programme. The government has opened relief camps and made arrangements for food and baby food for affected families, Saha said.

According to the administration, 17 relief camps have been opened, sheltering 413 families comprising 1,305 people. Disaster response teams have been deployed in affected areas, while boats have also been pressed into service.

Saha said the government was exploring permanent measures to tackle the flood problem, including strengthening existing embankments and taking additional steps based on the experience of recent floods. “We are alert from our end. NDRF teams have been kept in reserve,” he said, adding that elected representatives, government officials and other workers were also engaged in relief and monitoring activities.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that the government could not completely prevent the impact of extreme natural events but said authorities would continue to strengthen preparedness and response mechanisms. West Tripura has been among the worst-affected areas, with officials maintaining close watch on the situation as water levels recede.

West Tripura District Magistrate Dr Vishal Kumar, Secretary Milind Ramteke and other senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.