Incessant rainfall over the last week has led to widespread flooding and landslides in the Chattogram division, significantly disrupting public life across various districts. Approximately 867,000 people have been affected, with many areas becoming isolated due to rising water levels and landslides. The government has intensified its relief efforts, coordinating the distribution of relief materials among flood victims in the affected areas.
Government Coordination and Relief Efforts
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit and State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain are coordinating and supervising the rescue operations, relief distribution, rehabilitation efforts, and the activities of all relevant government agencies. Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin reported that both ministers have visited flood-affected upazilas and are monitoring the relief distribution. The Bangladesh Army is working alongside the civil administration to address the crisis.
Military Involvement in Rescue Operations
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at the request of the Deputy Commissioner, Bangladesh Army's 10th and 24th Infantry Divisions have been engaged in rescue and relief operations. Army members are providing emergency food supplies, including rice, chira, muri, pure water, and other essentials in remote areas of Satkania, Banshkhali, and Fatikchhari upazilas.
Impact and Casualties
The most recent updates from the Divisional Commissioner's Office indicate that 43 individuals have lost their lives and 39 have sustained injuries due to the ongoing rains and landslides in the districts of Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban. Among the deceased, 11 are from Chattogram, 23 from Cox's Bazar (including 13 Rohingya), 3 from Rangamati, and 6 from Bandarban. A total of 39 individuals were reported injured, with 12 in Chattogram, 24 in Cox's Bazar, 1 in Khagrachhari, and 2 in Bandarban.
Affected Areas and Relief Distribution
Chattogram district has experienced the most significant impact from this disaster, affecting over 662,000 people. The flood situation has worsened considerably in the Satkania and Banshkhali upazilas, where more than 500,000 people remain stranded. In Cox's Bazar, 158,027 people have been affected, along with 3,820 in Rangamati, 34,417 in Khagrachhari, and 8,350 in Bandarban. Satkania upazila of Chattogram has been the hardest hit, with extensive areas submerged by the rising waters of the Sangu and Dolu rivers and landslides.
Shelters and Relief Materials
According to the Divisional Commissioner's Office, a total of 1,727 shelters have been established across five districts in the Chattogram division, with 37,055 individuals currently taking refuge in those facilities. To date, a total of 191.6 metric tons of rice, cash amounting to Taka 90.47 lakh, and 34,470 packets of dry food have been distributed in five districts. Cooked meals, baby food, diapers, and sanitary napkins have also been provided in various districts. Dry food has been distributed with the assistance of several NGOs, and various political parties and social organizations are also engaged in relief distribution.
