Torrential rain for the last nine days has swelled the rivers Sangu and Matamuhuri in Bandarban, flooding six upazilas and leaving 20,000 families marooned.
Both of the rivers were flowing above the danger level on Saturday, inundating Armypara, Islampur and Bus station areas under Sadar upazila, and other low-lying areas of Lama, Alikadam, Ruma, Thanchi and Rowangchhari upazilas.
Houses have collapsed and croplands destroyed due to the severe flood, causing immense suffering to the residents of the hilly region. Their daily activities have virtually come to a standstill.
The flood has also snapped road communications of Bandarban with other parts of the country for the last five days. Due to the lack of connection with the rest of the country, prices of commodities have risen.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Daudul Islam said 450 tonnes of food grains have been allocated for the flood-affected people.
Meanwhile, the district authorities have opened 131 shelters and formed special teams to provide health services to the people. Different organizations – including the municipality authorities and the upazila administration – are providing food at the shelters.
Bandarban municipality Mayor, Islam Baby, said they are providing meals to 3,000 people twice a day.
