As floodwaters rise in residential areas of Noakhali, the district faces a severe food shortage, leaving thousands of residents urgently in need of relief.
Water levels had increased by one to one and a half feet in most areas of all its upazilas, including Maijdee, in 24 hours to Tuesday morning.
Severe damage has been reported in Noakhali Sadar, Begumganj, Kabirhat, Senbug and Sonaimuri areas. Many areas are cut off from electricity and mobile networks, with numerous homes being swept away by floodwaters.
Food shortages have already emerged in shelters, and the relief materials provided by the government and various voluntary organizations are insufficient to meet the growing needs.
Due to a shortage of boats, delivering relief to remote areas is becoming increasingly difficult.
So far 10 people have died in Noakhali due to drowning and electrocution amid the floods.
Meanwhile, the lack of clean drinking water has led to a rise in waterborne diseases. Over 150 people are being treated daily for diarrhoea at the 250-bed Noakhali General Hospital.
The number of snakebite cases is also increasing, with 40 to 50 patients being admitted daily.
Hospitals are also facing severe shortages of medicine and antivenom.
More than 200,000 people have taken refuge in over 1,000 shelters across the district, with crowds growing as more people seek safety.
Approximately 2 million people across all upazilas are trapped by the floodwaters.
Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahbubur Rahman said the situation in Noakhali was deteriorating, with water levels rising steadily.
“On the one hand, there is rainwater, while on the other hand, there is an onrush of water from upstream. We have received reports of food shortages in various places, and the district administration is arranging for the daily delivery of relief materials to those affected by the floods."
