Despite a slight improvement in the flood situation following reduced rainfall in the Indian region, low-lying areas in Moulvibazar district remain submerged.
The recent floods, triggered by a sudden surge of water from the Indian hills, led to breaches at 16 locations along the Manu and Dhalai rivers, causing extensive flooding.
Many residents were trapped in their homes when the rivers overflowed unexpectedly. Some individuals have found refuge on higher ground, leaving behind valuable belongings.
Relief efforts by various social organizations have been hampered by a shortage of boats, making it difficult to reach those in need. The affected areas are facing shortages of food and clean drinking water, compelling many to shelter with their livestock on elevated terrain.
Due to the rising water levels in the Manu River, two sections of the Moulvibazar-Sherpur-Sylhet regional road became hazardous.
Traffic has been reopened on this road after water levels receded slightly.
The Moulvibazar-Rajnagar-Fenchuganj-Sylhet regional road has also resumed travel to Sylhet as water levels in the Manu River have decreased.
On Saturday afternoon, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, distributed relief to 1,500 flood-affected families across three upazilas in Moulvibazar district.
“India is our neighbour,” Dr Rahman told reporters. “We have to coexist with our neighbours and urge India to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.”
He emphasised that their current focus is on assisting the affected individuals and addressing the immediate situation rather than on political or electoral concerns.
According to the Water Development Board, as of 3pm on Saturday, the water levels are as follows: the Manu River at Chandnighat was flowing 75cm above the danger level, the Juri River is 182cm above, and the Kushiyara River is 8cm above. Only the Dhalai River is floating 228cm below the danger level.
