60,000 people marooned in Barguna

Around 60,000 people are marooned in Barguna's Taltali upazila due to heavy rains and abnormal tides caused by Cyclone Remal.

These water-bound people are suffering from food shortage. The entire upazila is without electricity for more than 72 hours. Houses and branches of trees were uprooted on various transmission lines of Pallibidyut and the electricity connection was cut off. Common people have suffered greatly due to water retention on one side and darkness on the other side.

People have been trapped in water due to high tide and heavy rains since Sunday (May 26) and Monday afternoon on May 27. The electricity connection in this upazila has been interrupted since Sunday, May 26 till writing this report on May 28. The communication system has also collapsed due to the disconnection of the mobile network.

According to Taltali Palli Bidyut Office, there are 27,000 electricity customers in the upazila under Patuakhali Palli Bidyut Samity. At least 30 electric poles were damaged by the cyclone. Multiple transformers are damaged. More than 600 trees fell and power lines were torn. As a result, this upazila is without electricity. Palli Bidyut personnel have started repairing these lines and installing poles.

Taltali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sifat Anwara Tumpa said, "There is no electricity connection in the upazila for more than 72 hours. Trees have been uprooted in many places. Since yesterday morning, I have been there myself and able to open roads and waterways with people. The extent of the damage is yet to be ascertained but is high. Many houses were destroyed. We are working on all sides.'' She also said that clean water and food will be provided to the captive people.

HM/SR