About one lakh people in the char (landmass emerged from riverbed)
areas of five unions under Rajibpur and Roumari upazila of the
district are exposed to risk of natural disaster in absence of flood
shelter.
No flood shelter has been built in Mohonganj and Kodalkathi unions of
Rajibpur and Jadur Char, Bandber and Datbhanga unions of Roumari
upazila in over last two decades though there has been a large growth
of population there during the period.
Octogenarian Shamsul Haque of Borober Char area near the Brahmaputra
River said, “We have nowhere to take shelter if storm hits. After
hearing weather warning news on television we can’t decide whether to
move somewhere or stay home.”
“We do not know when storm will lash. We have to live in the risky
char only relying on Allah,” he added.
Tulabi Khatun of Naoshalachar said there is no flood shelter in the char area.
“We only look up to Allah. He will save us,” he added.
Visiting Roumari upazila, it was found that dwellers of its three
unions always have to remain in constant fear for there being no flood
shelter in any of the unions.
As if there is none from the local administration to deal with the matter.
Nor is there any non-government organisation concerned about safety of
the char people in the area for want of shelter centre.
Contacted, Rajibpur upazila nirbahi officer Latif Khan said, “Storm
usually does not hit this area massively. Yet, if danger comes, we
will take necessary steps to face it effectively.”
(UNB, Kurigram)
