The Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 and ALH helicopters have air-dropped over 4,000 food packets and water supplies to stranded locals in Rangamati, Jatanbari, Udaipur, Paschim Malbasa, Shankar Pali, and nearby areas in Tripura as the flood conditions continue to persist in the State with Domati River still flower above the danger mark. The IAF informed in a post on X that till Saturday morning, a total of 28 tons of relief material has been airlifted.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha thanked the IAF and the NDRF for the prompt response and swift action in Tripura’s flood zones and informed that four helicopters are aiding in the efforts, ensuring critical support reaches those in need.

He said in a post on X that on Saturday, 3000 packets had been dispatched and 5000 more were ready for distribution. The Chief Minister also said that his government officials and the IAF were exploring all possibilities to ensure the relief materials reaches earliest to the affected areas.

Meanwhile, two persons including a jawan from the Tripura State Rifles lost their lives while saving others from the flood. Extending his condolences, Dr Saha said that their selfless act will never be forgotten.

24 people have reportedly died due to the flood since 19th August 2024 while over 1 lakh people have been displaced.

Earlier on Friday, the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, announced that the Central Government had approved release of 40 crore rupees in advance, as the central share from SDRF, to provide relief to the flood-affected people in Tripura.

In a post on X, Shah also stated that the 11 NDRF teams, 3 columns of the Army, and 4 helicopters of the Air Force deployed by the Centre are already assisting the Tripura Government in relief and rescue operations and assured that Centre is “standing shoulder-to-shoulder with them to battle these difficult times.”