Fresh flood hits three districts, govt ensures adequate relief

Three districts—Sherpur, Tangail, and Bandarban—were hit by flash floods within a single day, bringing the total number of flood-affected districts to 18, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

At a press briefing at the secretariat today, Md Mohibur Rahman, state minister for disaster management and relief ministry, said adequate relief is being distributed among the flood victims.

He reported that over 20 lakh people have been affected by floods in the aforesaid districts due to heavy rain and an onrush of water from upstream.

Before the press conference, in a presentation on the country's flood situation in an inter-ministry meeting, it was revealed that the number of water-logged people stands at 24.43 lakh.

Floods occurred in Sylhet in the first phase on 27 May and the second phase on 17 June. Meanwhile, flood situations have been created in different parts of the country including Sylhet since 1 July due to heavy rains and upstream water.

"We are working to deliver relief goods to the flood-affected areas according to the needs and demands of the people. Adequate relief has been allotted to Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the affected districts. Additionally, DCs of all 64 districts have been given extra allocations for additional food items to prepare in advance," Mohibur Rahman said.

So far, 21,700 tonnes of rice, Tk5.47 crore in cash, 65,500 packets of dry food and other food items, Tk40 lakh for cattle feed, and Tk40 lakh for baby food have been distributed across the 18 districts. Furthermore, 2,500 packets of dry food and other items have been allocated in the Sylhet-3, Sunamganj-1, and Moulvibazar-2 parliamentary constituencies to provide necessary assistance to the victims.

The ministry reported that around 3,000 shelters have been opened to house approximately 40,000 flood-affected individuals, with 619 medical teams formed to treat the victims.

"We are also quickly preparing the list of victims so that they can be assisted after the flood, similar to our efforts during Cyclone Remal," the state minister added.

The affected districts include Sylhet, Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Netrakona, Rangpur, Gaibandha, Jamalpur, Feni, Rangamati, Bogura, Kurigram, Sirajganj, Lalmonirhat, Cox's Bazar, Khagrachhari, Sherpur, Bandarban, and Tangail.

"If any individuals from remote areas do not receive an allocation, they should call 1090 or 333, and immediate action will be taken," the state minister said.  

Regarding the inter-ministerial meeting, State Minister Mohibur Rahman said, "It has been decided to instruct the DCs to distribute adequate relief items for flood victims. Additionally, all necessary approvals have been granted for the measures required to quickly drain the flood water."