85 flood-hit families on haor dyke for a month

At least 85 flood-affected families with their cattle have been living on an embankment in Kawadighi Haor area under Moulvibazar Sadar upazila for a month.

During a visit yesterday, this correspondent found a large number of makeshift houses with tin roofs set up on the embankment in Paguriya Bandherpara area of Chandnighat-Haldigul road in Akhailakura union of Sadar upazila.

The cattle were tied beside the rooms. Many women were seen busy collecting water and firewood or preparing to cook on wood burning stove under the open sky.

Many people there are affected with diseases including fever.

“I came here with family one month ago as water level rose,” Mobrul Mia, 54, of Bandherpara village.

“Our Boro paddy in the haor area was destroyed due to sudden floods in April. Later the floodwater receded but the situation deteriorated again in mid-July. The recent heavy rain and onrush of water from the hills have added to our woes,” he added.

Israel Mia, 49, head of a six-member family, said they are passing days amid sufferings due to unemployment in the peak season.

Kanai Mia, 38, said his house remained waterlogged for three months and he left home as the water level saw a sharp rise one month ago.

“Finding no way, I made a small makeshift room on the embankment to stay here. Now boats are the only means to go inside Bandherpara village.

“We are living on the embankment amid risk of accidents as there is no alternative,” said one Husna Begum.

Md Al Amin, local member of Akhailkura Union Parishad, said, “All the houses at Bandherpara village went under water, forcing the 85 families to leave their home. They are living with their cattle on the embankment for nearly one month, making small makeshift houses. We're giving them small amounts of relief materials received from the authorities.”

Dr Satykam Chakraborty, civil surgeon of Moulvibazar, said a medical team has been sent to help the people of Bandherpara.