7 Districts Submerged, Flood Death Toll Rises to 51
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
A severe disaster has struck seven districts across the country due to continuous heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from upstream.
Vast areas across 58 upazilas in Khagrachari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar, and Habiganj are floating in floodwaters.
According to the latest update from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the nationwide death toll from floods, mountain runoff, and landslides has risen to 51. Among them, 28 people, including locals and Rohingyas, died in Cox’s Bazar alone. At least 39 people have been injured across various districts.
Record Rainfall and Displacement
In the last week, Chattogram recorded a record 1,169 mm of rainfall, with 412 mm falling in a single day. villages were submerged by the force of this unprecedented rain. Two children in Banshkhali, Chattogram, were swept away by mountain runoff.
Government records showed that 2,67,918 families are completely stranded by water, and the number of affected people has reached 10,22,963. To accommodate those displaced from their homes in flooded areas, 1,131 shelters have been opened, where 44,457 people have taken refuge.
Everything Lost Under the Open Sky
River water levels at various points are still flowing above the danger mark, including the Sangu, Matamuhuri, Manu, Kushiyara, and Someswari rivers.
The floods and landslides have not only claimed lives but have also forced thousands of families onto the streets overnight.
The mud house of Abdul Kader, a day laborer, collapsed due to the mountain runoff. His wife Rina Akter said, “Suddenly the flood surge came on Wednesday night. The house was submerged in a moment. I ran out with the small children to save our lives. Now I don’t know where we will stay or what we will eat.” This 15-member family of two day-laborer brothers has no means to build a new shelter.
Hopes and Coordination Crisis in Relief Efforts
Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said Tk 4.6 crore and 8,950 metric tons of rice have been allocated as humanitarian aid for flood victims. Out of this, Tk 1.45 crore and 2,000 tons of rice were sent directly to the seven affected districts.
The local administration, army, and volunteers are conducting rescue and relief operations.
However, allegations have surfaced from the field that relief has yet to reach many people. Aparna Acharya, a resident of Lohagara in Chattogram, added that as their cooking stove was destroyed, they are barely surviving on dry food from a grocery store.
She complained that no public representative or anyone from the administration has checked on them so far.
Disaster management experts said it is a significant challenge for the field administration to handle the massive crisis alone. The real issue is not the lack of relief or money, but a crisis of coordination.
They emphasized the urgency of rescuing vulnerable individuals like pregnant women, children, and the elderly, and ensuring they receive emergency medicine, clean drinking water, and medical services.
Experts have urged for the Red Crescent, Scouts, and local volunteer organizations to be more strongly involved in these efforts.
While the situation in Chattogram is expected to improve slightly within the next 24 to 48 hours, there are fears of a temporary flood situation in Feni, Sylhet, and the northern region as the water of the Teesta rises.
The Extent of Damage in 7 Districts
Chattogram: The most damage occurred here, with 152 unions and municipalities across 16 upazilas affected. 1,48,500 families are stranded, and 5,95,000 people are affected. 13 people died and 12 were injured. 21,900 people are staying in 618 shelters.
Cox’s Bazar: 70 unions and four municipalities in 10 upazilas were damaged. 39,506 families are stranded, affecting 1,58,027 people. A total of 28 people, including locals and Rohingyas, died, and 24 were injured. 1,580 people took refuge in 27 shelters.
Bandarban: 34 unions and two municipalities across seven upazilas were damaged, with 12,500 families stranded. 83,500 people are affected, six died, and two were injured. 6,250 people are in 220 shelters.
Rangamati: 43 unions and two municipalities in nine upazilas were flooded. 1,044 families are stranded, and 3,524 people are affected. Three deaths were reported, and 3,637 people are in 50 shelters.
Khagrachhari: 33 unions and three municipalities in nine upazilas were damaged. 1,073 families are stranded, and 34,417 people are affected. One person was injured, and 2,883 people are in 150 shelters.
Moulvibazar: 31 unions and one municipality in five upazilas were flooded. 7,308 families are stranded, and 26,544 people are affected. One person died, and 2,172 people are in 20 shelters.
Habiganj: Five unions in three upazilas were flooded, with 6,444 families stranded and 28,140 people affected. Although two shelters were opened, no one has taken refuge there yet.
