TDS Desk:

At least 18 deaths have been reported across the country as several districts have been flooded in the past three days.

Among the deceased, four died in Cumilla, one in Feni, five in Chattogram, three in Noakhali, one in Brahmanbaria, one in Lakshmipur, and three in Cox’s Bazar, Mohammad Kamrul Hasan, the secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said Saturday (24 August).

He said as many as 944,548 families in eleven districts have become waterlogged.

At least 49.38 lakh people have been affected in the flood in these districts.

“A total of 3,527 shelters have been opened to provide refuge for the waterlogged or affected people, accommodating 284,888 individuals and 21,695 livestock. There are 770 medical teams operational to provide healthcare services to the affected in these 11 districts,” Kamrul said.

He mentioned that the floodwaters are receding in some areas due to the cessation of rain.

However, the water level of seven rivers is still above the danger mark, he added.

The flood situation in Cumilla district deteriorated further with the flooding of fresh areas in the past 24 hours till Saturday, leaving seven lakh people stranded.

The water level of the Gumti River is flowing 80cm above its danger mark during this period.

The volunteers were seen struggling to distribute relief materials in the flood-hit areas due to a lack of boats, as roads remained submerged.

As the nation grapples with a devastating flood that has affected millions of lives across 11 districts, a unified effort has emerged, with the government, public and private organisations, the army, political parties, and the general public coming together to provide essential relief and support to those in need.

The interim government, led by Dr Muhammad Yunus, has expressed its appreciation for the willingness of people to provide help and support to flood victims.

Those interested in contributing can send their aid to the “Chief Adviser’s Relief and Welfare Fund” at account number 0107333004093, Sonali Bank Corporate Branch, Chief Advisor’s Office, according to a press release issued by chief adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday.

In the wake of a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, rough seas and flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have recently caused significant damage to embankments along the Sitakunda coast in Chattogram.

The Water Development Board reported destruction in at least four areas. Despite a decrease in rain, large parts of the upazila remain waterlogged.

Officials from the Water Development Board have confirmed that the combined effects of a full moon and low pressure have increased the tidal height by six feet above normal. This surge has damaged approximately four kilometers of embankments in the Sikdar Canal of Banshbaria Union, Akilpur Beach, Alekdia of Kumira Union, and the Ghoramra area of Sonaichari Union.

The flood situation in Brahmanbaria has started to improve with flood water receding in Akhaura and other places.

During the last 12 hours, water in the Haora river in Akhaura flowed 51cm below the danger level, decreasing by 4cm.

As roads and embankments were damaged, communication remained suspended and there was no electricity in some villages in the district.

Due to the suspension of vehicular movement in those areas, commercial activities at Akhaura Land Port have stopped, and the exchange of visitors through the international immigration checkpost has also been discontinued.

Md Roji Ahmed, a 55-year-old father, was swept away by the strong currents of floodwater while bringing his son home from a madrasa at Bhujpur in Chattogram district.

“Baba held me tightly and placed my hands on a tree. I managed to hold onto the tree, but the current swept him away,” said Naim, Roji Ahmed’s son.

“A while later, some passersby noticed and rescued me,” he added.

Naim was Roji’s eldest son.