Flood victims still need help

Millions of people have been marooned by this year's floods. According to government estimates, more than 85,000 homes have been damaged in Sylhet and Sunamganj districts only. Only 10,000 families reportedly received Tk 10,000 each in the two districts to rebuild their homes. That means tens of thousands of families have not yet received government aid for rehabilitation. The people out there are living miserable lives. In most places, these people are sleeping on sheets in open spaces. Some have built beds with pieces of wood or bamboo. And many of these flood victims have alleged that the funds disbursed for the victims are also not reaching the affected people due to mismanagement.

Providing funds for the flood victims to rebuild their homes should be a prime focus for the government now. Long-term policymaking and sustainable initiatives must be considered to prevent floods from endangering people in the future. Citizens in privileged positions should also extend a helping hand to these people who have been the worst sufferers in decades.

Fariha Tabassum Piya,

Student of Department of Management,

University of Dhaka, Dhaka,

f.tabassum36@gmail.com