Hardship Deepens in Baghaichhari Despite Receding Floodwaters
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Normal life has yet to return to several areas of Baghaichhari upazila in Rangamati following flooding caused by heavy rainfall and hill torrents. Water has started to recede in some places. However, flood-hit residents are continuing to struggle with shortages of food, safe drinking water, baby food and livestock feed. At the same time, farmers are worried about damage to cropland and the fisheries sector.
Locals said thousands of families in the low-lying areas of the upazila have been affected by the flooding. Floodwater entered many homes, damaging furniture, food supplies and essential household items. Many families are still staying in shelters or at relatives’ homes.
The flood has also created a severe shortage of livestock feed. With grasslands submerged, farmers and livestock rearers are struggling to collect food for their cattle and goats.
Meanwhile, shortages of milk and nutritious food for children have also intensified. Families with young children have demanded urgent assistance with baby food.
Floodwaters have submerged paddy fields, vegetable plots and other cropland in different parts of the upazila. Fish ponds and enclosures have also suffered extensive damage. Farmers fear it will take a long time to recover from the losses.
The shortage of safe drinking water is also worsening. Many tube wells have gone underwater or become contaminated, making it difficult to collect safe drinking water. This has raised concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases.
Flood-affected resident Md. Nur Salam said, “There is still mud and water in the house. We are already suffering from a shortage of food, and we cannot even find a handful of grass for our cattle.”
Local resident Sabina Akter said it has become very difficult to collect milk and baby food for her young child. She added that there is also a shortage of safe drinking water.
Farmer Salauddin said his vegetable fields and paddy land had been destroyed by floodwaters. As a result, he has suffered major financial losses. He also believes that special assistance is needed to rehabilitate affected farmers.
The upazila administration said relief activities are continuing in the flood-hit areas. Rice, dry food, water purification tablets and other essential relief materials are being distributed among affected families.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amena Marjan told Agamir Somoy, “The administration is monitoring the situation around the clock. Alongside ensuring that relief reaches the affected people quickly, the relevant departments have been instructed to ensure safe drinking water, the supply of baby food and necessary medical services. The losses suffered by farmers have also been reported to the higher authorities, and necessary measures will be taken for rehabilitation.”
