A large crowd, including over 100 motorcycles, roamed flood-affected areas, especially where riverbanks were eroding, disrupting rescue and relief efforts in Comilla's upazila on Saturday.
Some came in groups with friends, others with their families.
The crowds were seen in Kalkhorpara, Bharasar, Ichhapura, and Mohishmara on the Comilla-Burichang road.
The vehicles they brought caused trucks and pickups carrying relief to remain parked by the roadside, making it impossible to distribute aid to the flood victims.
The noise from the motorcycles makes it difficult to stay nearby.
Ashiqur Rahman, a student from Dhaka University participating in the rescue operations in Burichang, said: "We have been in Burichang since Friday. We conduct rescue and relief distribution every day. In the Mohishmara area, the movement of boats is obstructed due to visitors, which disrupts relief activities."
Local volunteer Manjurul Alam said: "On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, so many people have come to Burichang that it's impossible to work in the flood-affected area. Rescue operations are being disrupted."
Meanwhile, in the Burburia area of the upazila, the Gomti River embankment has broken. Many people were seen taking photos there, and some were creating videos, reels, and TikTok videos.
Due to their pressure, the damaged embankment is further deteriorating. Despite volunteers advising against it, they are not listening.
Burichang Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shahida Akter said: "So many people come here to make TikTok and videos. These people are making it very difficult for the upazila administration to work.
He suggested to the volunteers: “Those who come to provide relief should arrange for boats even if it's difficult to reach the most remote areas. There is no need for those who are just coming to look around."
Golam Kibria, a local resident of a flood-affected area where the river has eroded, said: "Where the river has broken, where my home is. Most of the people coming daily are visitors. Their presence is disrupting normal activities in the flood-affected area."
