The death toll from the devastating floods rose to at least 23 on Monday, with three more fatalities reported in the flood-hit districts of Noakhali and Khagrachhari, according to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.
The latest victims include two individuals from Noakhali and one from Khagrachhari. The widespread flooding has stranded over 1.2 million families across 74 upazilas in 11 districts while affecting more than 5.7 million people.
The disaster has left two people missing in Moulvibazar, as authorities continue to battle the severe conditions as flood wreaked havoc in Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur and Cox’s Bazar.
The number of families affected in the flood stands at 12,38,048 under the 545 municipalities or unions at the time of filing this report.
Waters receding
The water levels of major rivers in northeastern, eastern, and southeastern parts of the country continue to recede, offering a glimmer of hope for flood-hit areas, according to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC).
Over the past 24 hours, no significant rainfall was recorded in Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, and Feni districts, leading to a steady receding of water in upstream rivers. As a result, the flood situation in the lower areas of Feni and Cumilla is improving.
The good news swarm as the FFWC also reported that the water levels of the rivers in Moulvibazar and Habiganj have dropped below danger levels, easing the flood crisis in these districts. Also, meteorological data suggests that heavy rainfall in the northeastern region and neighbouring uplands is unlikely in the next 48 hours, which may further lower the water levels of the Manu, Khoai, and Dhalai rivers.
In these 24 hours, light to moderate rainfall is expected in the eastern parts of the country, then again, the water level in the Gumti River in Cumilla is likely to decrease, potentially improving the flood situation in nearby low-lying areas. Similarly, Feni district may see further relief from the flood, although some areas could experience unchanging conditions.
However, moderate rainfall is anticipated in the southeastern region and surrounding uplands, which might cause the water levels of major rivers such as Sangu, Matamuhuri, Karnaphuli, and Halda in Chattogram to fluctuate.
Meanwhile, the Brahmaputra-Jamuna and Surma-Kushiara rivers in the northeastern part of the country continue to recede, while the Ganges-Padma River remains stable. The Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers in the northern region are seen maintaining their normal flow, with these conditions expected to persist for the next 48 hours, according to meteorological agencies.
Relief works
A sum of Tk 3.52 crore has been allocated in the flood-stricken districts while 20,650 tonnes of rice, 15,000 pieces of dry foods or other foods and baby foods and fodder worth Tk 35,00,000 each were allocated, said the ministry.
Mobile and telecommunication services have been restored in the worst-hit Feni district. Field hospitals have been prepared to provide treatments.
Alongside government institutions, private organisations, businesses and general people also providing relief materials in the flood-affected areas while the deputy commissioners of the flood-affected districts have been instructed to work together in coordination with the students, army, navy, medical team and other volunteers.
Khulna villages inundated
The collapse of an embankment in Deluti Union of the Paikgacha Upazila of Khulna, has inundated low-lying areas, leaving 15,000 people stranded. The disaster has washed away several fish enclosures and inundated vast tracts of cropland, causing significant losses for the locals.
The embankment breach occurred near Polder No. 22 of the Water Development Board on August 21, sparking fears of a flash flood among residents. The collapse has triggered severe erosion, submerging fourteen villages; Kalinagar, Darul Mallik, Syed Khali, Harinkhola, Senerhat, Gopipagla, Khejurtala, Telikhola, Hatbari, Phulbari, Bigordana, Durgapur and Noalgram.
In response, residents of these affected villages have sought refuge on higher ground, roads, and in local schools as they await further assistance.
Ports’ signal no 3
In another development, maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra have been advised to keep hoisted the local cautionary signal no 3 as the low-pressure area over the northwest bay and adjoining southern part of the country intensified into a well-marked low.
It now lies over the Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining region. Under its influence, deep convection is taking place over the North Bay, said a Met office special bulletin.
