Floods and landslides in seven districts, death toll rises to 51

Continuous heavy rains, landslides and landslides have deepened the humanitarian crisis in seven districts of the southeastern and northeastern regions of the country. According to the latest official figures, the death toll in the disaster has risen to 51 people. More than 267,000 families are inundated and the number of affected people has exceeded 1 million.

Citing a report from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief on July 12, local media reported that 59 upazilas have been affected by floodwaters as of Sunday afternoon. The number of families inundated is 267,918 and the number of affected people is 1,022,963.

A day earlier, the death toll in the disaster was 44. At that time, Reuters reported that more than 1 million people were stranded in seven districts. The report also mentioned that it was difficult to reach relief supplies due to damaged roads and bridges in remote areas.

As of the latest update, the highest number of deaths has occurred in Cox's Bazar. Information has been received that 28 people died there. In addition, 13 people died in Chittagong, six in Bandarban, three in Rangamati and one in Moulvibazar. However, the casualty and damage estimates may change further as rescue operations are ongoing.

The Chittagong region has been experiencing continuous heavy rains since July 5 due to the active influence of the monsoon. Many villages have been flooded due to the abnormal rainfall for several days, with hill slopes falling. In some places, roads have collapsed, in some places bridges have been damaged and communication has been cut off. Although the water has started to recede in some areas, the situation is deteriorating again with the new rains.

In many areas of Banshkhali, Satkania, Lohagara, Chandanaish, Fatikchhari and Hathazari in Chittagong, there is still water inside the houses. Many families are spending their days in knee-deep water. Many have to rely on dry food as cooking facilities have been destroyed.

The shortage of clean water has intensified as tube wells and other water sources have been submerged in the flood water. The collapse of mud houses, the destruction of food grains and the loss of livestock have further increased the suffering of the affected families. Residents have to stay in the dark at night in some areas with no electricity.

There is still water in large areas of Chakaria, Pekua, Ramu, Matamuhuri and Sadar upazilas of Cox's Bazar. There have been reports of damage to embankments in some places, causing water to enter new localities. Boats have become the only hope in many areas as normal traffic is suspended.

After the water receded, the picture of damage is becoming clear in some areas of Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari. Rural roads, small bridges, jumkhet, vegetable fields and seedbeds of Aman-Aush have been damaged. Even if many return home from the shelters, it may take a long time to repair their homes and restore their livelihoods.

Floods have also spread to low-lying areas of Moulvibazar and Habiganj in Sylhet division. Whether the water level will rise further depends on the rain and upstream flow in the next few days, officials concerned with flood forecasting said.

The army, navy, local administration and volunteers are trying to deliver food, clean water, medicine and essential items to the affected areas. However, due to damaged roads, broken bridges and isolated villages, it is not possible to reach all people equally. Reuters had reported the previous day that food and medical supplies were being delivered by boat with government assistance.

People in disaster-prone areas have been advised to stay away from mountain slopes, strong currents, damaged roads and submerged electrical connections. They have been urged to stay in safe shelters and follow the instructions of the local administration until the situation normalizes.