A woman and a minor boy struggling to cross a waterlogged area in the Naobhanga locality of Jamalpur on Saturday as the Jamuna is in full spate again, inundating much of the district — Focus Bangla Water continued to recede in most of the rivers across the country on Saturday, except those in the north-eastern and southern regions.
Though water level was declining, various waterborne diseases started spreading in many northern districts amid lack of fresh water, proper food and sanitation facility, said sources.
A total of 117 people died so far across the country by drowning, snakebite and lightning in the flood during the last two and half weeks, said the Health Emergency Operation Center and Control Room under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The DGHS recorded some 404 diarrhea patients just in a day in Kurigram, Gaibandha, Lalmonirhat, Jamalpur, Nilphamari, Sirajganj, Sunamganj and other flood-affected districts during the last 24 hours (from Friday morning to Saturday morning).
A total of 6,000 diarrhea patients were recorded so far during the last two weeks.
Officials concerned said the condition might turn severe with further decrease in flood water, as most tube-wells in the marooned towns and villages have gone out of order.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), in its latest 24-hour update, said water level in all the major rivers may fall in the next 24 hours, except Kushiara and the southern region rivers.
Subsequently, the flood situation throughout the country might improve in 24 hours, it also said.
The FFWC data showed 11 rivers were flowing 6.0 cm to 26 cm above the danger mark in 18 points. Water level increased in 32 rivers, while receded in 59 rivers across the country on Saturday.
The Met Office, however, forecasted that moderate to heavy rain was likely to occur at most places over Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions and at many places over Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions in next 24 hours.
Besides, a depression in the Bay of Bengal prompted the Met Office to advise to keep hoisted local cautionary signal no-three at maritime ports of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla and Payra.
More than 5.0 million people have been marooned and 0.2 million hectares of crop lands have been damaged so far in the latest flood in 25 districts across the country.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
