Flood crisis affects over 5m across 11 districts
Staff Reporter :
Over 50 lakh people in the northeastern and eastern regions of the country have been impacted by recent floods across eleven districts, with 18 reported deaths and two individuals still missing.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief provided these figures on Sunday.
According to the ministry, approximately 1,047,029 families have been affected by the devastating floods. In a press conference held at the Secretariat, Md Kamrul Hasan, Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, stated that there is no new risk of flooding in any area.
“The flood situation in the 11 districts is improving. No new areas are being flooded, and there is no expectation of further flooding,” said Kamrul.
The ministry’s report detailed the distribution of the deceased, with five fatalities in Chattogram, four in Cumilla, three in Noakhali, three in Cox’s Bazar, one in Feni, one in Brahmanbaria, and one in Lakshmipur.
Additionally, two individuals are reported missing in Moulvibazar.
The report also highlighted that 3,654 shelters have been opened in the affected districts, providing refuge to more than 415,000 people. Rescue operations and the distribution of aid from both governmental and non-governmental sources are ongoing.
District Commissioners in the affected areas have been directed to coordinate efforts with the Coordinators of the Student Movement against Discrimination, the Army, Navy, Fire Service and Civil Defence, medical teams, and other volunteers. In response to the crisis, a field hospital has been established in Feni.
Medical services are being provided by the Army and Civil Surgeons, and local clinics, hospitals, and healthcare institutions have been instructed to offer necessary services to those affected.
For communication purposes, a VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) has been set up at the Feni District Commissioner’s office, as mentioned in the report.
Md Kamrul Hasan stated that the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated a total of Tk 352 million, 20,650 metric tons of rice, 15,000 packets of dry and other foods, Tk 3.5 million worth of baby food, and Tk 3.5 million worth of animal feed for the flood-affected areas.
He assured that adequate relief materials are available in all districts.
“Relief distribution is continuing at all levels, both government and non-government,” he added.
The Secretary further noted that District Commissioners in the affected areas have been instructed to collaborate with various forces, including the Army, Navy, Fire Service and Civil Defence, and other volunteers as required.
Kamrul also mentioned that military camps have been established in the Chhagalnaiya and Parshuram upazilas of Feni District.
The Army, Navy, and Air Force, including helicopters, along with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) helicopters, are delivering relief supplies to remote areas. Rescue operations are ongoing.
A field hospital has been set up in Feni to provide healthcare services, with the Army and district Civil Surgeons actively involved in patient care.
Local clinics, hospitals, and health service institutions have been instructed by relevant District Commissioners to ensure that necessary health services are available to flood victims.
The Secretary also warned of a potential outbreak of waterborne diseases as the floodwaters recede and urged everyone to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.