Relief distribution among flood victims inadequate

August 23, 2024

UNB:

Eight districts in the southeastern part of Bangladesh, including Feni, have been severely affected by the current round of devastating floods. While relief materials have been distributed to the flood-affected people, the quantity is said to be inadequate compared to the needs.

The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry claims to have distributed Tk 3.32 crore in cash, 19,650 metric tonness of rice, and 15,000 packets of dry food. However, locals assert that the amount of assistance received so far is far less than what is required. With roads submerged, urgent appeals have been made to rescue flood victims using speed boats and helicopters.

Due to the flood situation, the power supply in the affected areas has been disrupted. As a result, many people have lost contact with their loved ones as their mobile phones have run out of charge. Additionally, there are network issues due to difficulties in operating some mobile towers through alternative means. People working outside the country and in different parts of the country are worried about not being able to contact their families living in the affected districts.

Intense rainfall and landslides from the upstream areas of India have submerged several districts, including Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla. The lack of electricity has led to a breakdown in telecommunication services in these flood-affected districts.

Floods have damaged crops over 2.3 million hectares in 12 districts of Bangladesh, according to preliminary data from the Department of Agricultural Extension.

The agency reported that 1.38 million hectares of Aman paddy, 570 hectares of Boro paddy, and 12,910 hectares of Aman seedbeds have been inundated. Additionally, 68,209 hectares of Aus, 9,519 hectares of vegetables, 38 hectares of sugarcane, and 191 hectares of betel leaves have been submerged.

In addition to the district and upazila administrations, the army and coast guard have arrived to assist the flood victims. Volunteers from various parts of the country are also going there.

Various initiatives have been taken.

BTRC:

Despite efforts to use alternative means such as VSAT, the number of non-functional mobile towers is increasing, according to the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC). As of Thursday evening (August 22), 2,025 mobile towers in 12 districts of the country have become inoperative due to the floods.

Health Department:

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health Services has issued eight directives to ensure healthcare for people in flood-affected areas, including keeping a 24-hour control room operational.

Post and Telecommunications Division:

To maintain continuous communication with the people in Feni, Cumilla, and other areas and to repair damaged towers, the employees of the departments and organizations under the Post and Telecommunications Division in the affected areas have been asked to cancel their leave.

Local Government Division:

In view of the recent floods caused by heavy rainfall and landslides, the Local Government Division under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives has instructed the administrators, elected representatives, and officials of the departments, organizations, and local government institutions under its jurisdiction to remain with the flood-affected and distressed people at all times.

Farooq-e Azam, the disaster management and relief adviser, told UNB that the government is trying its best to protect the lives and property of people in the flood-affected areas. There is no negligence in this regard. We are trying our best to deliver relief materials.

The adviser said that several decisions have been taken regarding the floods in the advisory council meeting. “The first is to save people’s lives as quickly as possible. All efforts are being made to save people’s lives. The army, navy, coast guard, and other volunteer organizations that work with the disaster management ministry in disaster situations have all been deployed.”

He said, “All the students who were involved in the quota reform movement have also joined the rescue efforts. The administration is trying its best, the government is trying its best to protect people’s lives, property, livestock, etc.”

“There was no forecast of floods, it was a flash flood. Some say that water has come down from the Indian side, the flood happened very quickly, as it happens naturally. The water rose so quickly that many affected areas cannot be reached.”

It is said that India has opened the dam and caused floods in Bangladesh – regarding this, the adviser said, “We are also in touch about this. I cannot tell you exactly. I have heard that the dam has been opened, and they also have floods there. I don’t know much about this.”

“India has opened the dam, it has been written in various newspapers, it has come through various media. The government is trying to communicate with India,” Farooq said.