Norwester storms batters North and South Tripura: Widespread damage, car crushed by fallen tree in Jolaibari

A sudden spell of intense Norwester storms in last part of April brought normal life to a standstill across several districts of Tripura, severely disrupting the normal life and state’s power supply network. Triggered by violent winds and heavy rainfall even before the first half of May had properly set in, the extreme weather event left large swathes of the state in darkness for day.

The intermittent rain across the state on Sunday afternoon downed the mercury and provided relief to people reeling under intense heat wave during the past two weeks.

The powerful Norwester storm wreaked havoc mainly parts of North and South Tripura on Sunday, causing extensive damage to property, disrupting daily life, and triggering panic among residents.

In North Tripura’s Dharmanagar town, several areas were severely affected as strong winds accompanied by heavy rain uprooted trees and damaged shops and business establishments. In the Office Tilla area, a Tiffin house suffered major destruction after its structure collapsed under the impact of the storm, resulting in significant financial losses for the owner.

Near Juri Bridge, two shops were completely shattered by the storm, turning the area into a scene of devastation within moments. In the Dighal Bank locality of Dharmanagar, a large tree fell across the road, halting vehicular movement for some time. Fire service personnel later reached the spot, cleared the debris, and restored traffic. The sudden natural calamity has caused widespread disruption, with residents facing severe hardship. Authorities are reportedly monitoring the situation, while locals have demanded immediate relief measures.

Meanwhile, in South Tripura’s Jolaibari under the Santirbazar subdivision, the storm caused heavy destruction in the West Pilak Colony area. Trees were uprooted across several locations, damaging houses, blocking roads, and disrupting electricity supply after falling on power lines and poles. The local market area was among the worst affected.

In a dramatic incident on the Jolaibari–Belonia road, a large tree suddenly fell on an Eco car (registration number TR 08 0592), completely crushing the vehicle. Fortunately, no major casualties were reported, but the incident created panic in the area.

The driver alleged that despite informing the authorities, the disaster management team from the Santirbazar Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office failed to reach the spot on time. Fire service personnel from Jolaibari eventually carried out rescue operations, while police also arrived promptly to bring the situation under control.

The delay in response has sparked anger among locals. Meanwhile, fire and police personnel are working continuously to restore normalcy in the affected areas.

Sources said that the Norwester  with heavy torrential rain and thunder showers had destroyed parts of  electric supply lines  in many areas and uprooted a few trees and electric pillars. Similar reports from other parts of the state said that the power supply was badly affected due to the Norwester storm.

The first Norwester storm and seasonal squalls accompanied by rains, thunder-storms, lightning and hail-storms have also badly affected the telecommunication services.

MET also issued a warning of thunderstorms with lightning for next seven days and with moderate wind speed.