Waters recede, but misery persists

The flood situation continued to improve across the country’s southeast and parts of the northeast on Wednesday as floodwaters receded and thousands of displaced residents began returning home. 

However, the humanitarian crisis remained severe, with the death toll from floods, landslides and torrential rain climbing to 57, while authorities warned of fresh inundation risks in parts of Moulvibazar and Habiganj.

According to the latest update from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, seven districts – Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj – have been affected by the disaster.

Floodwaters have inundated 57 upazilas, 334 unions and nine municipalities.

The ministry said 57 people have died in flood and landslide-related incidents, including 32 in Cox’s Bazar – 19 local residents and 13 Rohingyas – 15 in Chattogram, six in Bandarban, three in Rangamati and one in Moulvibazar.

Authorities have opened 111 shelters across the affected districts, where 4,079 people are still taking refuge.

Southeast begins recovery

The flood situation improved further in the southeastern upazilas of the Chattogram region, with the administration shifting its focus to assessing losses and planning rehabilitation and compensation for affected families.

Although floodwaters have receded from most areas, waterlogging continues in several low-lying localities. Most people who had taken shelter have now returned home and are trying to rebuild their lives.

Md Ruhul Amin, upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) of Banshkhali, one of the worst-hit upazilas, said the overall situation had improved significantly, though low-lying unions, including Katharia and Baharchhara, remained affected by stagnant and tidal water.

“Many people have lost houses, particularly earthen ones, in the floodwater. In addition to 109 kilometres of road network, the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sectors have also suffered extensive losses,” he told the Daily Sun.

“We are now assessing the overall damage to rehabilitate and compensate the affected people,” he said, adding that relief distribution had intensified with political parties, private and voluntary organisations, and individuals continuing to provide assistance.

In neighbouring Cox’s Bazar, Pekua UNO Rafiqul Islam said normalcy had largely returned, although some residents in low-lying areas were still staying at shelters.

“We are now concentrating on the health issues and rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

Northeast sees relief but fresh risks remain

The overall flood situation in the northeastern region is also expected to improve over the next few days as water levels in the Surma-Kushiyara river system continue to fall. 

However, authorities have warned that the Manu and Khowai rivers could swell temporarily, inundating low-lying parts of Moulvibazar and Habiganj.

According to the latest bulletin issued by the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) on Wednesday, three monitoring stations on three rivers in three districts are currently flowing above their respective danger levels.

These are the River Teesta at Tarapur in Gaibandha, the Kushiyara River at Fenchuganj in Sylhet and the Someshwari River at Kalmakanda in Netrokona.

The FFWC said water levels in the Surma and Kushiyara rivers had fallen over the past 24 hours and were expected to continue receding over the next three days. 

Consequently, flood conditions in low-lying areas along the two rivers in Sylhet and Sunamganj are likely to improve within the next 24 hours.

However, water levels in the Manu, Dhalai and Khowai rivers have risen rapidly. 

The River Manu in Moulvibazar and the River Khowai in Habiganj may reach warning level within the next 24 hours, potentially causing temporary flooding in adjacent low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, water levels in the Sari-Gowain, Jadukata, Someshwari and Bhugai-Kangsha rivers have declined, improving conditions along the River Someshwari in Netrokona. 

In the north, water levels in the Teesta, Dharla and Dudhkumar rivers have increased, although flood conditions along the Teesta in Gaibandha are expected to improve within the next 24 hours, the FFWC added.

Govt eyes long-term flood mitigation

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Wednesday said the government plans to re-excavate canals across Chattogram to improve drainage and reduce recurring flood risks.

“Chattogram is the country’s commercial capital and principal port city. By re-excavating its canals and ensuring proper drainage, we will free the city from flood suffering,” he said while distributing relief materials in Halishahar.

The minister said the government would take all necessary measures to rehabilitate flood-affected people and help them return to normal life.

Referring to Chattogram’s unique landscape of hills, rivers, the sea and plains, Dulu said restoring the city’s canal network was essential to improving water flow, reducing waterlogging and mitigating future floods.

He added that the government would continue relief and rehabilitation support until affected families had fully recovered from the disaster.