CUMILLA, Aug 30, 2024 (BSS) - People in flood-hit areas in Cumilla are still reeling under the devastating flood despite water started receding from low-lying areas.

The affected residents are struggling to return to normal life, with numerous mud and makeshift houses washed away or still submerged under flood water, leaving many homes uninhabitable.

Relief materials are not reaching to the remote flood affected areas due to breakdown of overall communication system in the district. Volunteers cannot go to remote areas with reliefs as many streets are under water.

Deputy Civil Surgeon Dr Mohammad Nazmul Alam said outbreaks of waterborne diseases are being reported from affected areas. He said the diseases broke out mainly in the areas where people did not get fresh drinking water or water purification tablets.

Besides, he said prolonged exposure to floodwaters have led to various skin diseases among flood victims. To prevent further outbreak of water-borne diseases, the civil surgeon suggested the flood-victims to wash their hands before getting meals.

Laksam Upazila Health Officer Nazia Binte Alam said that health workers are working in every union to provide medical treatment to the flood-hit people residing in shelter centres.

A total of 1.5 million people of the district are living under water in 14 upazilas. While about one lakh people are living in shelter centres of the district.

Civil Surgeon of the district Dr Nasima Akhtar said that all educational institutions of the district have been declared as shelter centres. Dry food, saline medicine is being given to the flood victims of the district.

Civil Surgeon also said a total of 227 medical teams are working in the district.