Dhaka, Aug 20 – Although the overall flood situation in the country’s northern region improved further on Sunday, thousands of affected people could not return to their houses as those remain still under water amid a crisis of food and pure water. In many areas, the flood victims were passing their days in shelter centres or embankments having little food. Besides, the waterborne diseases have broken out in many areas.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced to provide food assistance to the flood-affected families of the country for the next three months until the next crops are harvested.
Visiting flood-hit Dinajpur and Kurigram district, she also said the government will do everything possible to ensure their food, healthcare and other necessities.
According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre, the water level of all the major rivers in the northern region declined further.
The water level of the Dharla fell by 26cm at Kurigram point and was now flowing below the red mark while the Teesta was flowing 45 and 143cm below the danger level at Dalia and Kaunia points.
The Brahmaputra was overflowing 3cm at Chilmari point while the Jamuna 59cm, 54cm, 90cm and 97cm above the danger level at Bahadurabad, Sariakandi, Kazipur and Sirajganj points declining 16cm, 22cm, 26cm and 21cm respectively.
The water level of the Atrai River dropped 8cm. However, it was still flowing 100cm above the danger level at Baghabari point.
The Padma water was moving 97cm above the danger level at Goalanda.
In Kurigram, the flood-hit people are in great miseries for lack of adequate relief materials and pure water. The situation aggravated with the spread of waterborne diseases in the flood-affected areas. – UNB
