Photo: Messenger
Due to a lack of rain and reduced water from upstream, the water level of the Surma River in Sunamganj has decreased, significantly improving the flood situation.
Water has started to recede from higher areas, but it is draining slowly from low-lying regions, including Kalipur, Purbo Notunpara, Poshchim Notunpara, Bandhanpara, Baropara, and other low-lying areas of 12 upazilas, causing severe hardship for approximately 9 lakh waterlogged people.
As water slowly recedes from roads and homes in these low-lying areas, low-income people are suffering from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea.
At 9 AM today, Monday, the water level of the Surma River in Shologhar, Sunamganj, was flowing 39 centimeters below the danger level, while in Chhatak upazila, the river was still flowing 23 centimeters above the danger level. In the last 24 hours, 9 millimeters of rainfall have been recorded. Approximately 900,000 people in 21 upazilas of the district are still suffering from the flood. People in the flood-affected areas are experiencing a shortage of clean water and food, and are suffering from various waterborne diseases.
In Doarabazar upazila, the embankments of the Khasiyamara and Chelai rivers have broken, flooding several villages and trapping thousands of people in water. In Chhatak, the Surma River is flowing 23 centimeters above the danger level, submerging homes in various neighborhoods. Although the water has started to recede, it is doing so slowly, leaving millions affected by the floodwaters. In the low-lying areas of upazilas like Bishwambharpur, Tahirpur, Dirai, Shalla, Shantiganj, Jagannathpur, Madhyanagar, and Dharmapasha, more than 900,000 people are living in waterlogged conditions due to water entering these areas.
Although water is receding in higher areas, it is still affecting homes in the low-lying regions. The appearance of the sun over the last two days has brought some relief to the general public.
According to the district administration, as of Saturday night, the floods had submerged 1,306 villages in 88 unions across 3 municipalities. Nearly 900,000 people have been affected by the floods. A total of 694 shelter centers have been opened, with 13,649 people currently residing in them. The government has allocated 3,090,000 BDT in cash, 850,000 BDT for children's food, 850,000 BDT for cattle feed, 5,000 packets of dry food, and 1,049.5 metric tons of rice for distribution among the flood-affected people in the district, including 12 upazilas.
Mamun Hawlader, Executive Engineer of the Sunamganj Water Development Board, stated that the water level of the Surma River has decreased due to the lack of heavy rain, and there is no immediate forecast of rainfall.
District Commissioner Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Chowdhury mentioned that 694 shelter centers have been opened and food and relief assistance are being provided to those taking refuge there. Additionally, 99 medical teams are working to provide healthcare to the flood-affected people.
Efforts to mitigate the flooding in Sunamganj are ongoing, with authorities ensuring relief materials reach affected populations. Despite challenges, communities remain resilient, supported by ongoing relief operations and local initiatives to manage the crisis. Coordination between government agencies and local communities continues to play a crucial role in managing the situation effectively.
Messenger/Disha
