Vast areas of the three districts of Chattogram Hill Tracts – Rangamati, Bandarban and Khagrachhari – got submerged under water on Friday due to flash flood triggered by incessant downpour for over a week.
In Rangamati, two persons were reportedly washed away by the current of Kaptai Lake’s water on Friday as a flash flood, triggered by incessant heavy downpour for more than a week, inundated the entire Baghaichhari upazila of the district, leaving 250 families homeless and submerging 10 schools.
The persons were identified as Md Rubel, 27, a driver of local engine boat and hailed from Landugu upazila; and Bijhu Ram Chakma, 67, hailed from Ujjangchhari village under Bhusionchhara union at Barkal upazila, said sources.
“A vast tract of croplands, business establishments and government offices went under water in the upazila as the water of Mynee River crossed the danger mark,” said Baghaichhari upazila nirbahi officer Ahsan Habib Jitu on Friday, adding the water level is still raising.
Meanwhile, the upazila administration has opened up some 24 shelter centres where 250 families from different villages of eight unions of baghaichhari took refuge. “They are being provided with dried foods, rice, edible oil and pulse,” said the UNO.
Apprehending deterioration of flash flood situation as well as landslide, the upazila administration asked the locals to stay cautious through announcements by loud speakers.
UNO Ahsan Habib said, “We already have distributed relief among the flood-affected people in the upazila. As we have adequate stock of relief, if necessary, we will provide more relief further.”
Meanwhile, at least 200 houses at Porabari, Gorosthan and Arabunia areas in Bhusionchhara union got submerged by flash flood due to onrush of water from hilly upstream in Barkal upazila.
“Around 200 houses in my union submerged and roads and food bridges were damage,” said Bhusionchhara union parishad chairman Mamunur Rashid Mamun.
In Bandarban, road communication has been snapped since over the past one week due to the incessant downpour.
Parts of the countryside and most of the areas of the hill town got inundated as water of Sangu River also crossed and is still flowing above the danger level, leaving hundreds of people homeless. The incessant rainfall is still continuing unabated.
Areas mostly affected due to the flash flood are Mogbazar, Ujanipara, Moidhompara, Meerpara, Kalaghata and Balaghata.
In Khagrachhari, similar situation was also prevailing as flash flood inundated various areas. Road communications at some upazilas were disrupted due to damage of roads by landslides.
NS