Plight of Kurigram flood victims

FE Team | Published: July 13, 2024 21:17:00

The devastating flood in Kurigram, where thousands of people are struggling amidst rising water level and insufficient relief efforts, is not receiving the urgent attention it deserves. The continuous rise in water levels of the Brahmaputra, Dharla, Teesta, and Dudhkumar rivers has exacerbated the plight of the district's residents, leaving many stranded and in desperate need of aid.
According to reports, water levels at key points along the Brahmaputra River are alarmingly high, with Chilmari Point flowing 49cm above the danger mark, Hatia Point 71cm, and Nunkhawa Point 34cm. The Dharla River has also surpassed danger levels by 8cm at Bridge Point, while the Dudhkumar River is 3cm above the danger mark at Pateshwari Point. The rising waters have submerged vast areas, affecting 1,35,057 people across 55 unions in nine upazilas. However, local representatives estimate the number of stranded individuals to exceed 2,00,000, with 458 families losing their homes due to riverbank erosion.
The impact on the community is multifaceted and severe. Flood victims report of spending nights on boats and not getting adequate relief from local administration. Education has been seriously disrupted, with 398 educational institutions inundated and three washed away.
Despite the distribution of 542 tonnes of rice and 23,790 packets of dry food, the relief efforts remain insufficient to meet the basic needs of the affected population. The deployment of 83 medical teams, while commendable, cannot fully address the widespread suffering and health risks posed by the floods.
We urge the government and relevant authorities to intensify relief efforts and ensure that aid reaches every affected individual promptly. It is crucial to provide adequate food, shelter, and medical assistance to the flood victims. Long-term measures must also be taken to mitigate the impact of future floods and enhance the resilience of the vulnerable communities in Kurigram. We must act swiftly and decisively to alleviate the suffering of the flood victims and prevent further loss of life and property.
Rakibul Hasan
Student
Rajshahi University