DHAKA, Aug 31, 2024 (BSS) – With the five more fresh cases reported today, the total flood related death toll reached at 59 so far including six women and 12 children, according to data released by the ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

Among the deaths, 14 were reported from Cumilla, 23 from Feni, six from Chattogram, nine from Noakhali, one each from Khagrachhari, Brahmanbaria, Moulvibazar and Lakshmipur and three from Cox's Bazar districts. Besides, one person remained missing in Moulvibazar district.

The flood-affected districts are - Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur and Cox's Bazar.

The release said the flood situation in Chattogram, Habiganj, Sylhet, Khagrachhari and Cox's Bazar districts remained normal today while the situation has improved in Moulvibazar and Brahmanbaria districts.

The flood situation is also improving in Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts. 

Besides, people are returning home from shelter centers as the country's overall flood situation has improved significantly. Communication systems have become normal in flood-affected districts.

According to the release, as many as 54,57,702 people were affected by the flood in 504 unions and municipalities under 68 upazilas in 11 districts in the country.

A total of 6,96,995 families remained stranded while 3,93,305 people are staying at 3,928 shelter centres currently. A total of 36,139 cattle heads were also given shelter there. Some 519 medical teams have been working there to provide medical services to the affected people in the flood-hit 11 districts.

Regarding relief efforts, Taka 4.52 crore in cash, 20,650 metric tonnes of rice and 15,000 packets of dry food, Taka 35 lakh for baby food and Taka 35 lakh for fodder have been allocated for the 11 flood-hit districts, the release said.

However, 1,40,900 packets of relief materials including dry food, clothes and drinking water collected by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement were sent for the distressed humanity in the flood-hit areas through the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).

A total of 2,36,328 packets of relief materials, 20,410 packets of cooked meals were distributed in the flood-hit areas by armed forces.  Some 42,816 people have been rescued and health services have been provided to 23,570 people. 

Besides, 153 people were rescued by helicopter and they were given treatment. A total of 24 camps and 18 medical teams run by the armed forces provided treatment in flood-affected areas. Drinking water, water purification tablet, clothes, medicines, baby foods and sanitary items were also distributed.     

The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief's control room remains open 24/7 for providing information. The control room's number is- 0255101115.

All authorities concerned have been given directives to take necessary measures for preventing waterborne diseases in the post-flood period.     

According to latest bulleting of Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), all the major rivers of the country are flowing below the danger level.

The water level of the main rivers in the northeastern and eastern regions of the country is decreasing overall. 

According to meteorological agencies, there is no possibility of heavy rainfall in the northeastern and eastern regions of the country and adjacent uplands in the next 48 hours. 

As a result, the water level of Surma, Kushiara, Manu, Khoai, Feni, Muhuri, Gomti, Titas and other rivers in this region may decrease and may flow below the danger level.

The water level of major rivers in the south-eastern part of the country is decreasing overall.

According to information from meteorological agencies, heavy rainfall is not expected in the southeast and adjacent uplands of the country in the next 48 hours. 

At this time, the water level of Sangu, Matamuhuri, Karnaphuli, Halda and other major rivers in the region may decrease.

On Friday, Disaster Management and Relief Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Bir Protik, visited flood situation in Noakhali and Lakshmipur districts.      

Our Noakhali District Correspondent reports: As no rainfall occurred in the district on Friday and Saturday, flood water level reduced by 1 centimeter. Water is receding very slowly as canals in the districts are very narrow. 

Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahbubur Rahman said as the flood water started receding, people are returning home from shelter centers.

In Lakshmipur, a total of 112 people have received treatment for snakebites in the district since the last 10 days, according to the Civil Surgeon Office here.

Among the injured, 80 people were injured by snakebite in Sadar upazila, seven in Raipur, 14 in Ramganj and 11 in Kamalnagar of the district. All of them returned to their house after getting treatment in different hospitals.

In Feni, deaths of 23 people including 14 men, six women and three children, were reported till today in the deadly flood. Of the deaths, identities of 16 people have been known.