Flood death toll rises to 16, water levels begin to recede
Among the deceased, four died in Cumilla, one in Feni, four in Chattogram, one in Noakhali, one in Brahmanbaria, one in Lakshmipur, and four in Cox’s Bazar
A man wearing a lifesaving jacket rescuing an elderly man in Chhagalnaiya of Feni. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
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A man wearing a lifesaving jacket rescuing an elderly man in Chhagalnaiya of Feni. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
- 92% of mobile towers are non-functional in Feni district
- 11% of mobile towers in other flood-hit districts out of service
- Khowai River 120cm above danger, Feni 155cm, Halda 32cm
- Communication with Muhuri and Halda river stations severed
- Rain likely today in areas of Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram divisions
At least 16 deaths have been reported across the country as several districts have been flooded in the past three days.
Among the deceased, four died in Cumilla, one in Feni, four in Chattogram, one in Noakhali, one in Brahmanbaria, one in Lakshmipur, and four in Cox’s Bazar.
Two children and two women were also among the deceased, according to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry and media reports. The causes of their deaths included electrocution, felling of trees, and drowning.
The water levels of some rivers in the flood-affected districts, including the Gomti River in Cumilla, began to recede on Friday (23 August) after rising till the early hours of the day, according to the latest data from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre.
This is expected to result in an improvement of the flood situation in the lower areas adjacent to the Manu, Khowai, and Dhalai rivers of Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts of the northeastern region; and in the lower areas adjacent to rivers such as Feni, Gomti, Halda, and Muhuri in Feni, Cumilla, and Chattogram districts.
Vast areas of Chattogram and Feni submerged in flood water on 23 August 2024. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
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Vast areas of Chattogram and Feni submerged in flood water on 23 August 2024. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
Meteorologist AKM Nazmul Haque of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) told The Business Standard that rainfall in the country is decreasing.
There is a possibility of rainfall of less than 44mm in some areas of Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram divisions on Saturday (24 August), he said, adding that rain is expected to continue, but with less intensity.
According to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the floods have affected 589 unions in 77 upazilas across 11 districts. A total of 946,769 families have been inundated.
As of Friday, 31,760 shelters have been opened to provide refuge for displaced individuals, accommodating nearly 2 lakh people and over 18,000 livestock.
In the affected 11 districts, 639 medical teams are providing healthcare services. The ministry has allocated Tk3.52 crore in cash, 20,150 tonnes of rice, and 15,000 packets of dry food for relief efforts.
The army and navy have also donated an amount equivalent to one day’s salary of all its members to the Chief Adviser’s Relief Fund.
A range of government and private institutions are also providing relief assistance. Many have contributed a portion of their salaries to support relief programmes.
Cattle being sheltered in a building amid the flood in Chhagalnaiya in Feni on 23 August 2024
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Cattle being sheltered in a building amid the flood in Chhagalnaiya in Feni on 23 August 2024
As of 6pm on Friday, data from the FFWC showed water levels in the Gumti, Kushiyara, Manu, Khowai, and Meghna rivers had dropped by 3cm to 80cm over the past nine hours.
However, the Halda River at Chattogram’s Narayanghat station saw a 12cm rise in water level. Despite these changes, water levels in the rivers remain above the danger level.
Sarder Udoy Raihan, executive engineer at FFWC, said the flood situation is expected to improve within 48 hours as rainfall decreases upstream, leading to reduced water flow from India.
A long tailback on a highway in Feni on 23 August 2024. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
A long tailback on a highway in Feni on 23 August 2024. Photo: Mohammad Minhaj Uddin/TBS
