Floodwaters recede, death toll rises to 52 

As floodwaters recede, the extent of the devastation is becoming evident, with widespread damage to homes, roads, bridges, and infrastructure across the affected areas.

The death toll from the floods across 11 districts has risen to 52, with 21 additional fatalities reported in Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Moulvibazar districts as of Thursday (29 August), according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. 

The casualties include 14 in Cumilla, six in Chattogram, 17 in Feni, eight in Noakhali, three in Cox’s Bazar, and one each in Brahmanbaria, Khagrachhari, Moulvibazar, and Lakshmipur districts. 

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) reports that all major rivers in the country are currently flowing below danger levels. 

In the northeastern and eastern regions, the water level of the Manu River is rising, while the Kushiyara River remains stable, and other major rivers are receding. 

No heavy rainfall is expected in the northeastern and eastern regions or the adjacent uplands in the next 48 hours, which should lead to a decrease in water levels in the Manu, Khoai, Feni, Muhuri, Gomti, and Titas rivers. 

Over 10 lakh families are stranded across 68 upazilas in the flood-hit districts, which include Feni, Cumilla, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur, and Cox’s Bazar. 

In total, 54 lakh people have been affected in 492 municipalities or unions across these districts. One person remains missing in Moulvibazar. 

Currently, 500,000 people are sheltering in 3,403 centres, with 36,448 domestic animals also housed there. 

The ministry reports that 595 medical teams are providing services in the affected areas. A total of Tk4.52 crore has been allocated for flood relief, including 20,650 tonnes of rice, 15,000 units of dry and baby foods, and fodder worth Tk35 lakh. 

The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts for the next 72 hours indicate the formation of a low-pressure area over the Central Bay and adjoining areas. 

The monsoon trough runs through Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal to Assam, crossing central Bangladesh. Monsoon activity is currently weak to moderate over North Bay. 

According to the BMD, light to moderate rain or thunder showers with temporary gusty winds are expected in Rangpur, Mymensingh, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions, and in isolated areas of Rajshahi, Dhaka, Khulna, and Barishal divisions. 

The highest rainfall recorded on Thursday was 18 mm in Ambagan, 15 mm in Chattogram, 7 mm in Sandwip, and 5 mm in Rangamati. 

The FFWC also reports that the water levels in the Brahmaputra-Jamuna River are receding, the Ganga-Padma River levels are stable, and the Teesta, Dharla, and Dudhkumar rivers in the northern region are flowing normally, which is expected to continue for the next 48 hours.