Flash flood grips low-lying areas of Tripura

A heavy downpour triggered a flash flood in low-lying areas in and around Kamalpur in Dhalai District of Tripura, leaving hundreds of people marooned and standing crops damaged.

Commuting by road to capital Agartala was also difficult due to mounting rain water.

Till some days back, some parts of Tripura were in the grip of a drought-like situation, but the sudden flash flood has added to the misery of the people.

A farmer, Ratan Bhowmik, said crops like peer gourd, bitter gourd, paddy and other standing crops had been destroyed by the flash flood

He criticised the state's Department of Agriculture for not carrying out a timely assessment of the losses incurred by the farmers.

Makeshift relief camps have been set up for flood victims in various schools.

"I have taken refuge in the Mathermair School," said Sanit Dey, a farmer.