Around 5,50,000 people of seven of thirteen upazilas in Sylhet are marooned and 42 unions of these upazilas have been affected. The low-laying areas of these upazilas have been inundated due to the incessant rain and onrush of water from upstream, leaving more than 5,50,000 people stranded.
Jakiganj, Jaintapur, Gowainghat, Companiganj and Kanaighat are the most affected upazilas. Flood situation may continue to worsen in northeastern and northern region of the country as all major rivers are gradually swelling. The suffering of the people in the flood-hit areas is reaching its peak. They are facing acute crisis of food and pure drinking water.
The government relief allocated in the flood-hit areas is quite insufficient to meet the needs of the affected people. Besides, houses and vast tracts of cropland in low lying areas of affected districts went under water.
Suffering
of the people
in the
flood-hit areas is reaching
its peak
The flood waters are also now destroying mature crops, seedbeds, cattle farm and poultry in those affected districts. Apart from these, due to the onrush of water from upstream and heavy showers in the country for the last couple of days, low-lying areas in those districts also went under water. Road communications in different upazilas snapped due to flash floods, with suffering of inhabitants mounting. All concerned must remain prepared to tackle the flood as the water of the rivers is on rising trend.
The authorities concerned should start distributing handmade breads and cooked foods, purified water and handmade oral saline to the flood-hit people immediately. Packets of dry food will also have to be sent to every flood-affected district alongside food grains. Besides, medical teams of the health ministry will also be working there round the clock.
Tents will also be set up in shelter centres as the flood waters have already rendered a large number of people homeless. Apart from the government, non-government and volunteer organisations, local lawmakers, public representatives and affluent people will also have to take all-measures to face the current flood as the situation may worsen in those upazilas.