India: Storm-related disruptions ongoing across parts of Tripura State as of March 26

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Tripura State as of March 26 following a severe storm that struck the region overnight March 23-24. Authorities have reported that four fishermen drowned on Dumboor Lake during the storm. The State Emergency Operations Center has reported that 23 houses were destroyed, 215 severely damaged, and 4,345 partially damaged by the storm. The worst affected areas include parts of Sipahijala and South Tripura districts; power outages have been reported in some affected areas. Further adverse weather is forecast in the region and is hampering ongoing response efforts; the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is maintaining yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings across the state through March 27. Lingering disruptions are likely in flood-affected parts of the state over the coming days.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region.

Localized business disruptions may occur in areas impacted by the storm; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.