1 lakh Chandpur residents waterlogged for over a week amid food and drinking water shortage
UNB
Publish: 30 Aug 2024, 01:44 PM
Chandpur,
Aug 30 (UNB) - More than one lakh residents of Shahrashti and Kachua upazilas
in Chandpur have been trapped in floodwaters for over a week, with no access to
food or drinking water.
The ongoing crisis,
caused by the floodwater from neighbouring Cumilla, Feni, and Noakhali
districts, has left thousands of families in desperate need.
The response from
authorities has been limited so far. Shahrashti Upazila Executive Officer (UNO)
Md. Yasir Arafat said that over 55,000 people remain waterlogged, with 3,500
people relocated to shelters across 10 unions. However, many residents are
still waiting for much-needed assistance.
In Kachua, Upazila
Executive Officer (UNO) Ehsan Murad confirmed that some have been moved to
shelters, with dry food being distributed, but the situation remains critical.
As of Thursday, entire
villages, roads, and farmlands remain submerged, with many homes under
knee-deep water. Livestock and poultry farmers face dire conditions, as their
animals are stranded without proper shelter or care.
Local residents are
going through extreme hardships, with many unable to cook or access clean
water. Despite some relief efforts from political and voluntary organisations,
the situation is far from resolved. Initial supplies of dry food have run out,
leading to a severe shortage of food and potable water.
Dulal Mia, a resident of
Pipulkra village, shared that their homes have been underwater for 10 days.
Many have taken refuge with relatives in higher areas, but others continue to
live in flooded conditions. Anam Mia of Rajshree village echoed similar
concerns, saying his house has been submerged for a week, and he has had to
seek shelter in a local school.
Local leaders are
calling for immediate intervention from both government and non-governmental
organisations to provide relief and support to those affected by the ongoing
disaster.
End/UNB/Corr/MB/F