Flood situation worsens in Noakhali, desperate pleas for aid

The flood situation in Noakhali district has deteriorated on Monday due to continuous rainfall and upstream water flowing from India. 

Most areas are now facing a severe shortage of relief supplies, with many people crying out for help. While aid has reached areas near the main roads, remote regions remain cut off.

It was known that more than two lakh flood-affected people have taken shelter in 908 relief centers across eight upazilas of the district. Although government and non-governmental assistance efforts are ongoing in and around the district town, aid has not reached many remote areas due to poor transportation infrastructure, leading to widespread desperation.

According to the district's weather office, 102 millimeters of rainfall were recorded in past 24 hours as of 9 AM Monday. With active monsoon conditions, there is a high likelihood of further heavy rainfall. The sea has been put on alert with a warning signal of number 3.

The floodwaters from heavy rains and the Feni River’s overflow have inundated new areas in the Senbag, Begumganj, and Sonaimuri upazilas, leaving nearly 20 lakh people stranded and facing severe food and water shortages. The situation is dire, with residents of remote areas unable to access relief efforts due to collapsed transportation network.

So far, five deaths have been reported. As of Monday, the district administration confirmed that eight out of nine upazilas of the district have been affected by the floods. In total, 1,098 shelters have been opened, accommodating over 182,000 people.

The government has distributed Tk 45 lakh in cash, 882 metric tons of rice, and 1,000 packets of dry food. However, 918 metric tons of rice are still in reserve. Despite these efforts, the death toll has risen to five, and 88 medical teams are deployed across various shelters.

In addition, the flood has increased the risk of snake bites, with 63 people reported bitten in last three days, including 28 in last 24 hours. Hospitals are also treating 108 people for diarrhea, which has been exacerbated by the floods.

Syed Mohiuddin Abdul Azim, the Residential Medical Officer at Noakhali General Hospital, stated that medical teams and hospital services are operating non-stop, with doctors working tirelessly through nights.

District weather office official Md. Rafiqul Islam reported that the 102 millimeters of rainfall over the last 24 hours have worsened the flood situation.

Munshi Amir Faisal, executive engineer of the Noakhali Water Development Board, assured that even if a regulator collapses, it will not obstruct the drainage of floodwaters. However, with the daily tides of 4 to 5 feet, floodwaters are entering residential areas that previously remained safe.

Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahbubur Rahman emphasized that relief efforts are being dispatched wherever reports of distress are received. Volunteers from different districts have arrived to assist, and efforts are being coordinated to distribute aid to the most affected unions. 

Rahman urged for a united effort to overcome this humanitarian crisis.