Due to torrential rains, inadequate modern drainage systems, and waterlogging from canal encroachment, residents of the Noakhali district have been facing severe flood situation.
Already, almost all upazilas including Noakhali municipality have been marooned.
Incessant rains for the past one week have caused overflowing of Muhuri river which is behind the waterlogging in the district.
This has worsened the flood situation in seven upazilas of Noakhali. Many more areas of the district are getting flooded again.
Meanwhile, the District Meteorological Office has recorded 71 mm rainfall in Noakhali in the last 24 hours.
For this, two million people in seven upazilas have become waterlogged. All rural roads, crop fields are under water. Ponds and farm fish have been washed away.
Over 200 tourists stranded as flood cuts off Khagrachari-Sajek RoadLocals say that the suffering of the city dwellers is due to the lack of an adequate drainage system. Many blame the indifference of the authorities.
For a long time, the municipal authorities have not taken any effective measures to solve the waterlogging in this district town. Although some drains have been constructed, they are of poor quality. Even light rain can cause significant delays in water draining through these drains.
In addition, more than 26,000 families in 13 unions of Noakhali Sadar Upazila are now waterlogged.
Local fish farmers report that there were 25-27 fish farming projects of various sizes in each union of the district. Nearly all of these projects have been submerged by the flood.
Due to the week-long inundation, many families in Nawajpur and Char Uriya of Sadar Upazila have been surviving on dry food alone as their houses including kitchens have completely submerged. Around people are passing days taking dry food alone.
The flood has also halted the livelihoods of daily wage earners and laborers. Additionally, those who raise cattle, goats, and other livestock are facing significant difficulties.
Meanwhile, the district administration has announced the closure of all the educational institutions in the district.
Houses, roads and crop fields have been submerged in water. Apart from this, various houses and shops of Noakhali municipality have suffered extensive damage due to water ingress.
During a visit, it was seen that there was knee-deep water in many rooms, and water in the kitchen as well. Many could not cook because of the water. Garbage accumulated in nearby drains has mixed with rain water and spread.
Due to the spread of germs, many children and elderly people are getting sick.
As most of the seven municipalities of the district are submerged in flood water, vehicular movement on all types of rural roads has been suspended which has triggered suffering for commuters.
Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahbubur Rahman said the water of the Muhuri river in Feni has started entering the Noakhali district. Then it will go down through Lakshmipur.
“The matter was informed to me by the Ministry of Water Resources in the morning,” said the DC.
He said that first rainwater caused flooding in Noakhali, then water from the Muhuri river flooded various areas. Now the situation is that there is no chance of water coming down.
Those affected by the flood are being helped by the district administration. An emergency meeting will be called by the district administration to deal with the flood situation, added the DC.
