The flood situation in Chittagong division has further deteriorated due to continuous heavy rains, landslides and landslides. According to the latest information from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the death toll in floods and landslides has risen to 39. Of these, 23 people (13 Rohingya) died in Cox’s Bazar, 8 in Chittagong, 6 in Bandarban and 2 in Rangamati. About 928,000 people have been affected in five districts.

According to the Chittagong district administration, 188,648 families have been affected in 16 upazilas of the district. 176 unions and municipalities have been flooded. 673 shelters have been opened for the affected people, where 23,853 people have taken shelter.

The government has allocated 700 tons of rice and 6 crore taka for the flood victims. Of this, 300 tons of rice, 43 million taka, 22,250 packets of dry food and 18,330 packets of cooked food have been distributed. Another 400 tons of rice and 17 million taka are in stock.

The Meteorological Department said that 154 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in Chittagong in the last 24 hours. Heavy to very heavy rains may continue until July 12. Local warning signal number 3 is in effect at the Chittagong seaport.

The most dire situation in Satkania-Baanshkhali:

The floods have taken a terrible turn in Satkania, Banshkhali and Lohagara in southern Chittagong. According to official estimates, 80 to 90 percent of the areas in three upazilas have been submerged. All 17 unions in Satkania have been flooded and about four lakh people are stranded. Floodwaters have also spread to 14 unions in Banshkhali. More than five lakh people are stranded in two upazilas.

Two children named Ashiq (11) and Miraj (6) died after being swept away by flash floods in Baharchhara Union of Banshkhali.

Extensive damage to agriculture, fisheries and livestock:

The flood has caused extensive damage to the agriculture, fisheries and livestock sectors. According to the initial estimate of the district fisheries department, the damage is 914.153 crore taka. 9,933 ponds and 320 fish pens have been submerged.

According to the district livestock department, the damage is 271.18 crore taka. 23 cows, 84 goats and about 43,000 chickens have died.

According to the agriculture department, about 9,000 hectares of ausha land, 652.66 hectares of aman seedbeds and 4,907 hectares of summer vegetable land have been damaged.

Communication and public life disrupted:

Vehicle movement is being disrupted due to rising water in various parts of the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar highway. Communication is cut off on the Satkania-Bandarban road. Train movement on the Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar route is suspended as the railway line is under water. The power and mobile network are disconnected in remote areas, which has created difficulties in distributing relief and collecting damage information.

Prime Minister’s instructions:

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman held a meeting with the deputy commissioners of Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and the Hill districts via video conference and directed them to intensify rescue and relief activities. Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah said that the picture of the extensive damage in the district was presented to the Prime Minister and additional government assistance was assured.

High risk of landslides:

The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) and the special bulletin of the Meteorological Department have identified Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Khagrachari as high risk areas of landslides. There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall until July 12.

Jamaat Ameer to visit the affected areas:

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman visited the flood-hit areas of Satkania and Banshkhali yesterday and distributed relief among the affected people. He said that it is the responsibility of the state to stand by the people affected by natural disasters. Rescue, relief and rehabilitation activities must be further strengthened. He also announced that Jamaat-e-Islami will also stand by the flood-affected people with its limited capacity.