Bandarban flood causes Tk 700cr in damage, affects 20,000 families

News Desk :
In the wake of torrential rain-triggered flash floods, Bandarban suffered extensive damage estimated at over Tk700 crore, as reported by local authorities while the flooding affected around 20,000 families.

Although the government claims a loss of Tk700 crore, locals believe that the damage to government and private offices, businesses and houses in seven upazilas of the district will exceed Tk1,000 crore.

According to the local administration, 25 years after the last big flood, this year’s flood caused extensive damage, the death toll in the floods exceeded 10 and more than 100 people were injured. As many as 6,569 homes and 132 educational institutions were damaged.

According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the Sangu River in the district was flowing 5 metres above the danger level due to excessive rainfall and an onrush of water from upstream. In 1997, it had reached a level of 5.5 metres above the danger mark. Besides, the water level of the Matamuhuri River was also 3.5 metres above the danger level, which exacerbated the extent of flood damage.

Chittagong Divisional Commissioner Md Tofail Islam said 2,000km of roads have been damaged in the Bandarban floods. It has caused a loss of about Tk1,00 crore.

After the flood, the internet system in the district was severely damaged, but now the electricity and internet systems are normal.

In Thanchi and Ruma upazilas, the power supply system collapsed, and locals are still in the dark. The Power Division is working day and night to ensure the power supply.

The damaged crops include varieties such as Aman and Rupa paddy, as well as bananas, papayas, cashew nuts and vegetables.

Various roads, including the Milon Chhori-Chimbuk-Nilgiri road from Bandarban’s Thanchi Road, have suffered damage, leading to collapse.