At least 51 people have died and 39 others have been injured in floods, hill runoff and landslides across seven districts, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
The affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj.
Cox’s Bazar reported the highest number of deaths with 28 fatalities, followed by Chattogram with 13, Bandarban with six, Rangamati with three and Moulvibazar with one.
Among the injured, 24 were reported in Cox’s Bazar, 12 in Chattogram, two in Bandarban and one in Khagrachhari, the ministry said in its latest update.
The disasters have affected 59 upazilas, 368 unions and 12 municipalities across the seven districts.
To shelter displaced residents, authorities have opened 1,049 temporary shelter centres, where 38,422 people have so far taken refuge.
Relief distribution and emergency assistance operations are continuing in the affected areas.
The ministry said it has allocated Tk4.60 crore in cash assistance and 8,950 metric tonnes of rice for all 64 districts since 7 July to support people affected by floods and other disasters.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the assistance was provided in phases to strengthen relief operations in disaster-hit areas.
As part of the latest allocations, Chattogram received an additional Tk25 lakh and 500 metric tonnes of rice, while Rangamati was allocated Tk5 lakh and 100 metric tonnes of rice.
Meanwhile, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel have been deployed in 11 flood-affected districts to assist rescue and relief operations.
BGB Headquarters Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam said BGB teams are working with local administrations in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Chattogram, Feni, Sylhet, Habiganj, Sunamganj, Netrokona and Jamalpur.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman directed government agencies and field administrations to remain highly alert and maintain close coordination to protect lives and property affected by heavy rainfall-induced waterlogging.
During a virtual meeting with divisional commissioners, police DIGs, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, civil surgeons and other officials from all eight divisions, the prime minister instructed authorities to ensure quick relief distribution and healthcare services for affected people.
Officials briefed him on the latest situation in their respective areas, including the extent of damage, shelter conditions, rescue activities, relief distribution and medical services.
Meanwhile, the flood situation in parts of Chattogram showed signs of improvement on Sunday as rainfall decreased.
Train services on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route also resumed after remaining suspended for five days.
The Tourist Express left Chattogram Railway Station for Cox’s Bazar at noon after floodwaters receded from railway tracks, restoring rail communication on the route, railway officials said.
Despite some improvement, large areas of Satkania, Lohagara, Chandanaish, Anwara and Banshkhali upazilas remain inundated, leaving hundreds of thousands of people stranded.
Photo: Jubair Uddin/TIMES
