The state of Tripura has been ravaged with extremely heavy rains over the last few days. Consistent heavy downpours have resulted in the loss of life and material. The complexity of the terrain has added to the severity of the weather. Many parts were deluged afresh, last night as well. The capital city of Agartala has recorded extremely heavy rains amounting to a massive 233mm in the last 24 hours. Inclement weather conditions are likely for the next about four days. Likely relief, thereafter.
A low-pressure area has been meandering over parts of Bangladesh and Gangetic West Bengal for the last 3-4 days. Earlier, the system was positioned over the southern parts of Bangladesh and the coastal region of Gangetic West Bengal. Presently, the low pressure is marked over North Bangladesh and the neighbourhood. The cyclonic circulation of the system is extending beyond 20,000 feet above mean sea level. It is expected to move westward across West Bengal in the next 48 hours or so. The weather system is drawing plenty of moisture from the Bay of Bengal and dumping it over eastern parts of Bangladesh and Tripura. Both these pockets have experienced incessant heavy rains over the last few days. All the rivers in the state, more so, Gomati and Juri, which cross over to Bangladesh have swollen well beyond the danger level. So are the other water bodies, overflowing beyond their carrying capacity.
The worst part is that while the low-pressure area may move away from the activity centre, another cyclonic circulation is likely to form over the North Bay of Bengal and the adjoining area. This will threaten the area with continuing inclement weather conditions for two more days, on the 24th and 25th Aug 2024. While this circulation become more organized and consolidated at the start of next week, mercifully, it will shift southward over ‘head bay’. This will ease the pressure on the state of Tripura, from 27th August onward.
Tripura will have to remain in a state of ‘alarm and alert’ till the end of this week. The situation may ease out and the rains may reduce on 26th August itself. However, the water bodies keep responding, even after the cessation of downpours. The next system brewing over the Bay of Bengal may not be as punishing as the current one, but caution needs to be exercised till mid-week next.
Image Courtesy: National Herald