INCESSANT rainfall in the last few days has triggered floods in the country’s East and South East districts. Thousands of people of Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni and Chattogram districts have been marooned as floodwater crawled to inundate their homestead and damage crops and livestock. The New Nation recently reported that Khowai, Monu, and Dholai rivers have swelled up, flooding a number of villages in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts. The water in the Halda and Feni rivers are flowing above the danger level while low-lying fields and water bodies are overflowing. Rainfall combined with the clogged drainage systems flooded many major roads and residential areas of the cities to spoil the Eid celebration for the dwellers.
Latest reports said Manu was flowing 175 centimeters above danger level at Manu Railway Bridge point in Kulaura Upazila of Moulvibazar. The onrush of water from the Indian state of Tripura is adding to the swelling of the rivers. A number of villages in Habiganj and Moulvibazar have been inundated in the meantime. The Habiganj town protection dam has been facing the threat of collapse at different points due to the rise of water level in Khowai River. Elsewhere in Chattogram, three upazilas were inundated due to continue rainfall for last few days. Severe flooding has been reported in Hathazari, Raozan and Fatikchhari Upazilas of the district that caused untold sufferings to the people.
Regional roads, fish enclosures, houses and business establishments were submerged by the rainwater. Besides, embankments of the River Halda at different points have collapsed. In Chattogram, the inhabitants of low-lying areas have been asked to take shelter in local educational institutions. Nearly one lakh people in six unions have been trapped following the rush of rainwater. The Aman seedbeds were damaged while fish ponds were washed away. A vast area of cropland of the upazilas went under flood water, forcing people to take shelter in the nearest schools, colleges, and madrasahs. Local administration opened several shelter centers for flood-affected people. Locals alleged that the measures taken by District and Upazila Administrations in the flood-affected areas were not adequate.
We do urge the government and local administration to remain close to the flood victims by increasing relief distribution and ensure sufficient measures for post-flood rehabilitation.
