Staff Reporter :
The death toll from the recent floods affecting 11 districts in the northeastern and eastern regions of Bangladesh has risen to 52, according to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on Thursday.
Among the deceased, 39 were men, six were women, and seven were children. The number of affected individuals has now reached 5,480,463.
During a press briefing, KM Ali Reza, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, shared these updates. The death toll as of Wednesday was reported to be 31.
Ali Reza further detailed that the 52 deaths include 14 from Cumilla, 17 from Feni, six from Chattogram, one from Khagrachari, eight from Noakhali, one from Brahmanbaria, one from Lakshmipur, three from Cox’s Bazar, and one from Moulvibazar.
He also noted that the overall flood situation in Sylhet district has improved, though a total of 68 upazilas remain inundated and 492 unions or municipalities are affected. The districts impacted by the floods include Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Noakhali, Cox’s Bazar, Khagrachari, Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, and Sylhet. In these districts, 1,072,579 families are waterlogged, affecting a total of 5,480,463 people.
As of now, 3,403 shelters have been opened, providing refuge to 502,501 people and 36,448 livestock. The Bangladesh Student Movement Coordinators have distributed a total of 104,100 packets of dry food, clothing, and water to those affected, through the Directorate of Disaster Management.
Additionally, mobile and telephone communications have been restored in the flood-affected districts, and measures are being taken to prevent waterborne diseases in the aftermath of the floods.
In Noakhali, the cessation of rainfall and reduced upstream water pressure has led to a decrease in floodwater levels across eight upazilas. As of this morning, floodwaters have receded by three to eight inches over the past 24 hours. While the sky remained cloudy, the increased sunshine has brought some relief to the residents. However, in the flood-affected areas, including the district town of Maizdi and all eight upazilas, water levels still range from knee-deep to waist-deep.
However, the slow drainage of water, exacerbated by encroachment and siltation of drainage channels and other water bodies, means it could take about a week for the floodwaters to fully recede.
Despite the reduction in water levels, the number of people seeking refuge in shelters has increased, and the demand for relief materials continues to rise. Currently, 290,513 people are sheltering in 1,366 centres, while 20,181,500 people remain waterlogged. Eight deaths have been reported in the district due to the flood. The government has provided 4.5 million Taka in cash and 1,207 tons of rice as aid.
In a show of solidarity, Palestine has sent relief aid for the flood victims in Bangladesh. Yusuf S.Y. Ramadan, the Palestinian Ambassador, provided the aid, which is being distributed through the As-Sunnah Foundation to those affected by the floods.
According to a post on the Foundation’s official page on Thursday, the aid packages include the Palestinian flag. Ambassador Ramadan expressed his solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, stating, “Bangladesh and Palestine share a historic bond, and we want to stand by Bangladesh during this time of disaster.”
Additionally, officials and employees of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting have contributed a total of Tk 3,383,393 as one day’s salary for flood relief. The amount was handed over on Thursday via fifteen checks to Adviser Md. Nahid Islam of the Ministry.
The BCS Information Association also donated a check for Tk 300,000 for flood relief. The handover was attended by Association President Md. Jasim Uddin, General Secretary Muha. Shiplu Zaman, and other members.
As the flood situation gradually improves, the focus remains on providing relief to the affected populations and preventing further loss of life and hardship.