Flood, landslide death toll rises to 57: Ministry

The death toll from floods and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall in seven districts has risen to 57, with three more deaths reported in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

In an update on Tuesday, the ministry said 111 shelters have been opened in the affected areas, where 4,079 people are currently staying.

The affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj.

A total of 57 upazilas, 334 unions and nine municipalities in these districts have been inundated.
Of the deceased, 32 were reported in Cox’s Bazar, including 19 local residents and 13 Rohingyas. Fifteen deaths were recorded in Chattogram, six in Bandarban, three in Rangamati and one in Moulvibazar.

Besides, 40 people were injured in floods and landslides, the ministry said.

Relief operations are continuing in the affected areas. For Cox’s Bazar, the government has allocated cash assistance, rice and corrugated iron sheets. An additional Tk 20 lakh has also been provided from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund.

For Chattogram, the government has allocated Tk 65 lakh, 1,200 tonnes of rice and 49,100 packets of dry food.

The ministry said cash and rice were allocated in phases between July 7 and July 12 for districts affected by floods and heavy rain.

According to the latest update, the seven affected districts have received an additional Tk 1.75 crore in cash and 3,250 tonnes of rice.

Besides, Tk 4.60 crore has been allocated for regular relief operations across all 64 districts.