Bangladesh floods: 59 dead and thousands displaced across 11 districts
Dhaka [Bangladesh], September 2: Floodwaters have receded in most of the 11 districts affected by the recent floods, but many are still struggling with the aftermath, according to The Daily Star.
The floods have claimed the lives of at least 59 people and impacted over 5.3 million residents in these districts. Many individuals are now homeless, and low-income families, particularly farmers, have lost their homes and livelihoods due to crop and pond destruction.
Nurun Begum, 65, from Mierpara village in Moulvibazar's Kulaura upazila, described her situation: "Floodwaters swept away my mud house. It's all I had in this world. Now, I have no place to live." She is now taking refuge on a neighbor's porch.
Sujan Mia, an autorickshaw driver from the same village, mentioned that his house was submerged after an embankment along the Manu river breached on August 22. Although the floodwaters have receded, his home remains damaged, and he is staying with relatives.
Jamsed Ali, also from Mierpara, lamented the loss of his vegetable garden, his primary source of income, and questioned how his family would survive.
In Moulvibazar, around 8,786 houses have been damaged, and district relief officer Mohammad Sadu Mia has requested higher authorities for assistance to rehabilitate flood victims.
Cumilla has also been heavily affected by the floods. Resident MA Azim from Mohismara village said his house and furniture were destroyed, and he lacks the funds for repairs. He and his family are staying with relatives. Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shahida Akter reported that about 40,000 houses in the upazila have been damaged.
A recent government report indicates that over 700,000 families remain stranded, although the flood situation is gradually improving. Flooding has fully receded in several districts, including Chattogram, Feni, Khagrachari, Habiganj, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Cox's Bazar. The situation is improving in Moulvibazar, and gradually in Cumilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre's bulletin stated that the flood situation is expected to continue improving as most major rivers show a falling trend.