Sylhet has been hit by three rounds of floods, with the northern region now also sinking. Millions of people have lost their homes, facing shortages of baby food, clean water, and animal feed. Waterborne diseases are spreading, and necessary relief is scarce. While the government has some relief activities, private organizations and wealthy individuals have not stepped in to help the affected people.
The first phase of floods struck Sylhet on May 27, followed by the second phase on June 17. Just as these two floods subsided, a third round began on July 1. The Directorate of Disaster Management reports that around 4 million people were affected by the first two floods in the Greater Sylhet region, and an additional 2 million have been affected by the latest floods across 15 districts. In total, about 6 million people have been impacted.
From May 30 to July 6, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief allocated Tk 3.1 crore in cash for flood victims across the 15 districts in the Sylhet region. Additionally, 8,700 tons of rice and 58,500 packets of dry food have been distributed. This relief amounts to only Tk 5.16 per person and one and a half kg of rice for the 6 million affected people. The districts affected include Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrakona, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Rangpur, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Feni, Rangamati, Bogra, Kurigram, Sirajganj, Lalmonirhat, and Cox's Bazar.
Several villages in Sunamganj remain underwater. While some relief has reached shelters near cities and markets, people in remote areas continue to suffer. In Kurigram Sadar, Nageshwari, and Ulipur upazilas, homes are submerged, and many residents are taking refuge in local schools, Eidgah grounds, boats, and house lofts. Food supplies like rice, lentils, and oil are running out, and people are desperate for relief. Rafiqul Islam from Kapna Char in Kurigram expressed his despair, stating, "There is no work, there is no food in the house," and he has not received any relief yet.
According to the district administration's request, relief is allocated by the Directorate General of the Directorate of Disaster Management, Rezwanur Rahman. State Minister for Relief Md. Mohibbur Rahman mentioned in a press conference at the secretariat that similar floods could occur in August-September, but assured that they are prepared with sufficient relief supplies. If there is a shortage, actions will be taken in coordination with the District Commissioner.
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