The flood situation in Sylhet, which had recently shown signs of improvement, has deteriorated again due to incessant rain since Monday. The relentless downpour has caused flooding to recur, submerging many areas that had previously receded. Families who had returned home from shelters are now being forced to relocate once more to safer locations.
The overflowing Surma, Kushiyara, Manu, and Khowai rivers have inundated vast areas in Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Habiganj, according to our Sylhet correspondent. The Divisional Commissioner’s Office in Sylhet reports that over 16,000 people have been relocated to 898 shelter centres across the division. In addition to people, 1,964 cattle have also been moved to safety, including 1,203 in Sylhet, 547 in Moulvibazar, 123 in Sunamganj, and 91 in Habiganj.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre of the Bangladesh Water Development Board (WDB) indicates that while the Surma river’s water level is decreasing, the Kushiyara, Manu, and Khowai rivers are still flowing above the danger level and rising. As of 9:00 am today:
Surma River: 87 cm above danger level at Kanaighat Point, 2 cm above in Sylhet city
Kushiyara River: 135 cm above danger level at Zakiganj’s Amalshid, 43 cm above in Beanibazar’s Sheola, 99 cm above in Fenchuganj, and 20 cm above in Moulvibazar’s Sherpur
Manu River: 28 cm above danger level at Manu Railway Bridge, 48 cm above in Sadar
Khowai River: 90 cm above danger level at Balla Point, 35 cm above in Habiganj Sadar
Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Abu Ahmad Siddique stated that this new bout of flooding has significantly increased the hardships for the victims in the area. The administration is actively working to mitigate their sufferings through relief efforts. A total of 4,235 tonnes of rice, 29,830 packets of dry food, baby food, and cattle feed worth Tk 40 lakh each, and Tk 1.17 crore in cash have been allocated and are being distributed in phases.
“Considering the new blow, we have asked for more aid. Rehabilitation efforts will be taken after the flood recedes,” said Siddique.
With the ongoing crisis, the local administration is focused on immediate relief distribution and ensuring the safety of the displaced. Once the waters recede, comprehensive rehabilitation efforts will be initiated to help the affected communities rebuild their lives.
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