2 lakh marooned in Cox's Bazar
Over two lakh people in Cox's Bazar are marooned in floodwater following incessant rain for the last few days.
Although the heavy rain stopped Saturday night, people of four coastal upazilas -- Pekua, Maheshkhali, Ramu and Chakaria -- have been suffering immensely. Many are now staying at flood shelters.
Many houses, markets and roads remain under knee-deep water. The people are facing an acute shortage of food and other necessary items as the relief activities are yet to gather pace.
Around 80 percent area of Ramu and Pekua upazilas went under water. Five out of 10 unions in Cox's Bazar Sadar upazila were flooded. Besides, five out of 18 unions in Chakaria upazila were seriously affected.
Traffic on the Chittagong-Cox's Bazar highway declined sharply in the last four days. There is hardly any tourist in Cox's Bazar, the most popular tourist spot in the country.
The people of Pekua and Ramu are the worst sufferers.
Some 21 people were reportedly killed in rain-triggered incidents in the district till Saturday. However, there is no news of new casualties.
Contacted, Anupom Saha, acting deputy commissioner of Cox's Bazar, said the relief activities couldn't be sped up due to a breakdown in road communications.
Sources at the district's relief and rehabilitation office said they had so far distributed Tk 17 lakh in cash and 230 tonnes of rice and other relief materials among the victims.
Besides, local lawmakers, political party leaders, different social and cultural organisations are distributing relief among the flood-hit people.
The army is also distributing relief among the victims, said Ramu Cantonment Maj Kamal Pasha.
Reaz Ul Alam, Ramu upazila chairman, said the government relief efforts were inadequate.
Saimum Sarwar Komol, lawmaker of Cox's Bazar Sadar constituency, said the relief activities would continue until the flood situation improved.
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