The severe flood triggered by torrential rain has displaced many families in Chittagong and they are now living a miserable life amid a struggle to manage food for their survival.
Many families have been forced to take shelter on the under-construction Chittagong-Cox’s Bazar railway line.
The heavy rainfall which led to severe waterlogging in Satkania and its surrounding areas over the last couple of days caused significant displacement and destruction.
Among them, Forkan Uddin, who earns a living through agricultural work, shared his harrowing experience.
Forty-five-year-old Forkan and his five-member family, along with about twenty other families, have been forced to seek shelter on the under-construction Chittagong-Cox's Bazar railway line due to devastating flooding in Chittagong.
"All the land I used to cultivate has been submerged in the flood water. I had some poultry, but I couldn't save anything. After everything ended up, I am destitute now. There is still water in my house, so I was forced to stay here for five days. No one came to see us. One day I am eating, and the other I spend without food. There is no one to think about us."
About ten families have managed to leave the makeshift shelter on the railway line as waters receded in some areas.
However, the remaining ten families continue to endure a difficult life in tents made of polythene and tarpaulin. Their homes and possessions have been damaged by the floods, leaving them with minimal resources.
Meanwhile, according to the Chittagong District disaster management department, around 843,505 individuals have been affected by the floods across 14 upazilas and cities within the Chittagong region.
Major parts of Satkania, Chandanaish, Lohagara, and Banshkhali upazilas were submerged in the water.
Specifically, 225,000 families in Satkania, 5,000 in Chandanaish, 16,595 families in Patiya, and 4,000 families in Lohagara have been adversely affected by waterlogging.
The cumulative estimated damage amounts to approximately Tk135 crore.
Satkania upazila Chairman MA Motaleb highlighted the pressing issues faced by the affected communities.
He said: "Clean water and food are the biggest challenges in our area right now. Tubewells are damaged, and frequent loadshedding is preventing the operation of motors for water extraction. Shops and markets were submerged, making it impossible to access essentials. Even having money, people are struggling to procure food. Limited relief efforts are underway, both at the government and individual levels, but they are insufficient to meet the needs of the affected population."