2.0m in 15 dists affected by flood

Around 2.0 million (20 lakh) of people in 15 districts were affected by the ongoing flood caused by torrential rains and onrush of upstream water, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman on Saturday, reports UNB.

Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrakona, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Rangpur, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Feni, Rangamati, Bogura, Kurigram, Sirajganj, Lalmonirhat and Cox's Bazar  were the worst-hit districts, he said while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat.

So far, the government allocated a total of 8,700 tonnes of rice, Tk 31 million (3.10 crore) in cash, 58,500 sacks of dry food, Tk 6.0 million (60 lakh) for baby food and Tk 60 lakh for fodder for flood-hit districts, he said.

Flood-affected people took refuge in 36,223 shelters, he added.

A number of districts were partially flooded, said the minister.

According to the local administration sources, no one died but 2.0 million people were affected by the flood, said Mohibur.

The government was working on the flood-affected areas, he said adding the southern portion of the country might witness flooding.

Noting that there was a possibility of another spell of flood in the month of August or September, the minister said, "We are taking preparation as per the directives of the Prime Minister."

"I saw in the newspapers that there was no food in some places. For this, we will speak directly to the deputy commissioners concerned," he said.

All necessary items were given to the parliament members, deputy commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers as per their demand and there was no reason for any lack of relief, he added.

Replying to a question, the minister said they thought the allocation in the flood-hit areas was adequate.

The minister is expected to visit the flood-hit areas in Tangail and Sirajganj today (Sunday).

According to bdnews24.com, water levels in rivers across Bangladesh's north and northwest are likely to rise despite the receding of water in the northeastern Sylhet region, the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre says.

The water levels of 10 rivers were exceeding the danger level at 21 points at 9am on Saturday. Among the flood forecasting centre's 110 stations, 42 points saw a decreasing trend in the water level, 63 a rising trend and five unchanged, the centre said in its bulletin on Saturday.

Over the next 24 hours, the Teesta, the Dharla, the Dudhkumar and the Ghagot rivers in the country's northern region may swell rapidly at certain times.

As a result, the Teesta River may flow above the danger level for a short time at some points and the flood situation in some low-lying areas of the Kurigram and Gaibandha districts along the Dharla, the Dudhkumar and the Ghagot rivers may deteriorate.