RAJSHAHI, Oct 11, 2020 (BSS) – More than 1.84 lakh flood-affected families consisting around 7.36 lakh people in different districts of the division have, so far, received relief materials to overcome their livelihood related hardships caused by the natural disaster.
The government, as part of its instant humanitarian assistance to cope with the catastrophic situation, has allocated 1,841.1 tonnes of rice, Taka 49.34 lakh in cash, 25,033 packets of dry-food, Taka 24 lakh for baby food and Taka 41 lakh for animal feed.
Moinul Islam, additional commissioner of Rajshahi division, said distribution of the allocated relief materials among the affected families in the division is on final stage.
Apart from this, 1,868.6 tonnes of rice, Taka 28.65 lakh, 1,967 packets of dry food, Taka three lakh for baby food and Taka five lakh for animal feed remain in stock for distribution, he said.
Meanwhile, normalcy has started returning to the affected areas of the Ganges basin as water level in many of its rivers and tributaries was recorded a further fall because of dwindling of onrushing floodwater from the upstream hilly catchment areas for the last couple of days.
The flood, however, left a trail of destruction in the respective affected areas, particularly Rajshahi, Naogaon, Natore, Bogura and Sirajgonj districts, which will take more time to get back a completely normal situation, officials said.
In addition to bringing untold sufferings to the public life, standing crops on vast areas were affected besides overflowing a huge number of fish farming ponds and canals due to the fresh flood.
Only in Shingra Upazila in Natore, public assets like fishes, agriculture, livestock and other physical infrastructures valued around Taka 200 crore were affected by the second phase of flood, said Shafiqul Islam, Chairman of Shingra Upazila Parishad.
He said around 50 dwelling houses have been devoured amid the collapse of a flood protection embankment in Sholakura area. State Minister for ICT Zunaid Ahmed Palak already visited the embankment erosion area.
In the past two phases of flood, around 50 kilometers roads have been affected, he added.
Financial assistance and relief materials were distributed among the flood-victims on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the upazila chairman said.
The affected people will be rehabilitated after listing them as soon as possible.
Bagmara Upazila Chairman Anil Kumar Sarker said some 13 out of the total 16 unions of the upazila have become affected. Bhobanigonj pourasava and Borobihanli, Deep Pur, Kachari Koalipara and Jhikra Unions are the worst-affected ones.
More than one lakh people were waterlogged. Besides, 500 clay houses were damaged. The affected people had taken shelter at different educational institutions and other highlands. At present, they are returning to their houses.
Anil Kumar said Kachari Koalipara Union Parishad Complex has been affected badly.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sharif Ahmed said officials were given instruction to assess the extent losses caused by the flood.
Puthiya Upazila Chairman GM Hira Bachhu said the extent losses by the flood may be Taka 10 crore in his upazila.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer Faridul Islam said measures were taken to support the affected people.
In Atrai Upazila of Naogaon district, more than one lakh people have become affected amid excessive rising water level in Atrai River. At least 15 houses were devoured due to collapse of flood protection embankment of Nagar River.
Communication on Atrai-Patisar road was disrupted for the previous couple of days as water was overflowing the Kasiabari Sluice Gate.
Hatkalupara Union Chairman Abdus Sukur Sarder said his union is the worst-affected among eight unions of the upazila by all the first, second and third phases of flood.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanaul Haque said they are distributing relief materials among the flood affected people.
Shamsul Wadud, Deputy Director of Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), Naogaon said standing crops on 5,507 hectares of land and vegetables on 4,011 hectares of land have, so far, been damaged by the floodwater in the district.
Some 6,554 patients reportedly have suffered from various water-related diseases and 25 people died in flood related incidents, particularly drowning and snakebite since July 1, sources said.
The Department of Health has undertaken all possible measures to prevent any outbreak of water-borne diseases among the flood affected people amidst the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.