This photo shows a flood-affected area in Tangail district, where residents are struggling to find safe food and adequate sanitation facilities as the situation worsens daily. Photo: Messenger
The relentless downpour and the swelling waters from upstream have worsened the plight of the flood-stricken inhabitants in the char areas of Tangail Sadar and Bhuyanpur, situated along the banks of the Jamuna River. The flood victims are grappling with acute hardships, battling to find safe food, clean water, fodder for their cattle, and proper sanitation facilities.
A surge in waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhea among children, has been reported. Many of those affected, whose homes have been engulfed by the floodwaters, are now leading a precarious existence by seeking shelter on higher ground or with family members.
According to the Tangail Water Development Board, despite a recent decline in the water level of the Jamuna River, it has risen by 10 centimeters from Friday to Saturday morning, now flowing 24 centimeters above the danger level at the Porabari point. The Dhaleshwari and Jhinai rivers continue to exceed the danger level, while other rivers in the district are flowing below it. However, there is a noticeable rise in the water levels of smaller rivers across the district.
A field visit to the remote char areas of Kalipur, Jaypur, Punglipara, Rehaigabsara, Chandipur, Megharpatal, Rajapur, Sushua, Basudebkol, and Bhadreshimul in Gabshara Union and Arjuna Union of Bhuyanpur Upazila revealed that after a few days of gradual water receding, levels started to rise again on Saturday. Although the increase is abnormal, there is a slow decrease being observed. Nonetheless, hundreds of homes in the char areas remain inundated.
As a result, various educational institutions, mosques, and temples in the upazila have halted their activities. The residents of the char areas are in distress, with their livestock, children, and the elderly facing the brunt of the hardships. Tube wells, sanitation facilities, and kitchens in the flooded homes are underwater. The flood victims are forced to fetch water from distant sources for their daily needs. While some areas have received relief, many families lament not having received any relief materials.
Bellal Hossain, a resident of Kalipur in Gabshara Union, shared, "For weeks, our house has been surrounded by water. We have no place to go. We've had no income for 12 days. Work has stopped with the char areas submerged. On one hand, we have loan installments to pay, and on the other, we are running our household on borrowed money. We are living an extremely inhumane life with our families. Life in the char areas won't return to normal until the river water fully recedes. Government assistance during this time would be greatly beneficial."
Another resident, Arifur Rahman, said, "We've been waterlogged for two to three weeks, and no one cares about the poor like us. Only the close associates and relatives of the member-chairmen are receiving government relief. Most of those receiving it are well-off families. The water has caused issues with our hands and feet. Children are suffering from various waterborne diseases, including diarrhea. No health workers have been seen so far."
Bhuyanpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mamunur Rashid commented on the situation, "Thousands of people in four out of six unions, including the char areas, in the upazila have been affected by waterlogging. On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and under the direction of the District Commissioner, dry food, water purification tablets, and containers for storing water have been distributed as humanitarian aid to over 1,500 poor people. Adequate relief materials are available. All kinds of activities, including providing relief assistance and healthcare services, will continue."
Messenger/Fameema
