Lakshmipur, Aug 23 (UNB)-Around six lakh people have been stranded by floods triggered by the excessive rainfall and unusual tides under the influence of the monsoon in the coastal district of Lakshmipur.
 
Hundreds of low-lying villages including four municipal towns of the district have been affected by the unprecedented floods, disrupting daily life, said locals.
 
Since Thursday morning, water levels have been rising in various parts of the town and surrounding areas, with torrential rain persisting.
 
Locals said many homes are inundated, making cooking and other daily activities difficult. Some have had to seek refuge with relatives or in shelter centers due to the severe conditions.
 
Several hundred fish farms, poultry farms, aman seedbeds and vegetable fields have been damaged in the district.
 
Locals alleged that they have received no aid from the administration to survive in such a situation.
 
According to the Water Development Board, the district experienced 168 millimeters of rainfall in the last 24 hours till 12pm on Thursday.
 
District Deputy Commissioner Suraiya Jahan said they have opened 185 shelter centers for the flood-hit people and allocated 20 metric tonnes of rice along with Tk 1,070,000 in cash.
 
End/UNB/Corr/SU/F