Thousands in search of relief, drinking water as flood worsens in Gaibandha, Bogura

Thousands of people in flood-affected areas of Bogura and Gaibandha districts are in search of safe shelter, a source of fresh drinking water, sanitation facilities and relief goods but to no avail. The condition continues to deteriorate as the waters of Brahmaputra, Jamuna and Ghagot rivers is rising steadily.

At Mathurpara point of Bogura's Sariakandai, the water of Jamuna River is flowing 64cm above danger level around 6.00pm today, said Md Mahbubur Rahman, executive engineer of the Bogura Water Development Board.

Around 3000 families have been affected by the flood in Uttar Shimul Taur, Sujaner para, Aucharpara, Gramer Pachgachi, Haatbari char in Sariakandi. Another 720 families of Uttar Shimul Taur and Aucharpara char lost their homes to river erosion in the last four to five days.

"I have lost my home to river erosion around 28 times in my lifetime. Yet again it has happened. Now I have taken shelter in the Sujauler para Guchchagram for the last five days," Habibur Akand (75) told The Daily Star.

"In this flood, men can go to the toilet anywhere but women and girls can't," said Chaina Begum Graamer Pachgachi char.

In Bogura, there are in fact around 14,440 people in Sariakandi, Sonatala and Dhunat upazila who have been affected by the flood.

According to Bogura's district relief and rehabilitation officer Md Azhar Ali Mondal, around 30 tonnes of rice and Tk 2.5 lakhs have been given to the UNOs who will then distribute it to the local representatives the next day.

In Gaibandha, the water of Brahmaputra river is flowing 82 cm above the danger level at Fulchari point and the water of Ghaghot River is flowing 54cm above the danger level at Gaibandha point around 6:00pm today, said Md Mukhlesur Rahman, executive engineer of Gaibandha Water Development Board.

In the district, there are around 17,844 people who have been affected by floodwater in Sadar, Saghata, Fulchari and Sundarganj upazila.

"We have opened 50 flood shelter centres where 2,077 people have taken shelter in the last two days," said AKM Idris Ali, district relief and rehabilitation officer of Gaibandha.

"We have distributed 100 tonnes of rice and Tk nine lakhs to the Upazila Nirbahi Officers. They will distribute it soon. Relief distribution has already started in Sadar upazila," said Idris Ali.

GM Selim Parvej, Fulchari upazila parishad chairman meanwhile alleged that there are more than 10,000 affected people but they are yet to receive any relief materials from government.