Adequate relief goods needed for flood-hit people

Flood situation in the northern parts of the country has worsened due to heavy rain and onrush of hilly water. With the water surging in the rivers, terrible river erosion has increased the suffering for the flood-hit people. But relief distribution among the flood-hit people is lower than the demand.

The river Brahmaputra and Ghagat are flowing above the danger levels. Besides, the water levels in the river Teesta and the river Korotoa are about to touch the danger levels. Overall flood situation in many districts has worsened further due to torrential rain and onrush of water.

Meanwhile, several places including Kamarjani, Mollarchar, Erendabari, Gazaria, Uria, Katlamari, Bharatkhali, Haldia, Kholaihara, Fulchhari, and Khanchabari have been flooded due to swelling water levels in the rivers of the districts. As a result, a lot of people in the northern areas have become marooned and are facing inhuman condition.

According to official estimate, a total of 1,475,615 people have become marooned due to the flood in Gaibandha, Kurigram, Nilphamari, Jamalpur, Bogra and Sirajganj districts. At least fourteen people have so far died. Some 9,314 houses have been completely marooned and some 12, 371 houses have been partially marooned.

The marooned people are facing acute crisis of cooked food and pure drinking water due to the flood. Water-borne diseases have broken out in these areas. Road communications have remained suspended as roads in many places have submerged by flood water. Many primary and high schools have been closed down in these areas.

In many areas, relief crisis has been widely reported. The relief goods which are being distributed to the flood affected areas are lower than the demand. Many alleged that relief goods did not reach many areas. Again, there is acute crisis for cattle food in many areas. The families which have taken shelter on the embankments have been facing inhuman condition. They have eagerly been looking for relief goods and relief materials carrying vehicles.

A quarter in the country is very active to occupy and pile up the rivers instead of protecting them. Due to this, waterlogging and flood are being caused every year.

The local people have pleaded to the government to take necessary steps as early as possible to ensure relief foods for the flood affected people. At the same time, the private organisation should extend their hands for the affected people. One thing should be kept in mind that corruption cannot slow down the flow of relief goods to the affected people.

risingbd/Dhaka/July 31, 2016/Shahed/Amirul