Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - As southern Bangladesh grapples with devastating flash floods, millions of people are left in a state of desperation, facing immense human suffering and widespread communication disruptions.
With millions affected, the floods have not only destroyed homes and livelihoods but also severely disrupted communication network.
The floodwaters, exacerbated by heavy monsoon rains and the release of water from India's Dumbur Dam, have caused untold misery across 12 districts, plunging countless communities into chaos.
The floodwaters, which began rising suddenly on the night of August 21, have caught residents across the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions off guard, giving them little time to evacuate.
Many have been forced to abandon their homes, leaving behind their possessions as they scramble to reach higher ground or shelter centres.
Tragically, at least 15 people have lost their lives in the floods.
As rescue efforts intensify, the grim reality of widespread displacement, loss of life, and the breakdown of essential services highlights the urgent need for relief and recovery in the flood-ravaged regions.
The impact on human life has been catastrophic, with more than 4.8 million people affected across 12 districts.
Communities in Feni, Noakhali, and Cumilla have been particularly hard-hit, with entire villages submerged under water.
The situation in these areas is reported to be worst, with residents struggling to find food, clean water, and medical care.
The floods have also devastated livelihoods, destroying crops over 2.3 million hectares and inundating fish enclosures, leaving thousands of families facing financial disaster.
Communication Breakdown:
The floods have not only displaced millions but have also severely disrupted communication networks, further exacerbating the plight of those affected.
According to the Bangladesh Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (BTRC), 14.8 percent of mobile towers in the affected districts have been rendered non-operational, leaving thousands without access to communication.
Feni district has been hit the hardest, with over 90 percent of its mobile towers out of service, cutting off residents from the outside world.
The lack of electricity has compounded the communication crisis, as many flood-affected areas have been left without power.
With roads submerged and transportation links severed, people are struggling to charge their mobile phones, leaving them unable to contact loved ones or seek help.
The situation is particularly dire for those with family members working abroad, who are now unable to communicate with their relatives in the affected regions.
In response to the communication breakdown, the Department of Posts and Telecommunications has deployed several V-Sat units with the help of the Bangladesh Satellite Company to the affected districts.
However, the efforts have been hampered by the scale of the disaster, and many areas remain isolated and cut off from essential services.
Rescue and Relief Efforts:
Amidst the chaos, the Bangladesh government has mobilized significant resources to provide relief to the flood victims.
The government has deployed 637 medical teams and opened 3,160 shelters, where nearly 1,88,739 people have taken shelter.
The shelters are stocked with water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts, cholera saline, and anti-venoms to address the immediate health needs of the flood-affected population.
The Bangladesh Army, Navy, and other forces have been actively involved in rescue operations, providing emergency medical care, and distributing relief supplies in the worst-hit areas.
In one notable incident, army personnel rescued a critically ill pregnant woman from Feni's Fulgazi upazila and transported her to Cumilla CMH in an Army Aviation helicopter.
Despite these efforts, the quantity of relief materials distributed to the affected population remains inadequate, with locals reporting that the assistance received so far falls far short of what is needed.
The Disaster Management and Relief Ministry has distributed Tk 33.2 million in cash, 19,650 tonnes of rice, and 15,000 packets of dry food, but the scale of the disaster has overwhelmed these efforts.
Infrastructure and Transportation Crisis:
The floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure across the affected districts, with roads and railways submerged under water.
Railway communications in the Chattogram and Sylhet divisions have been suspended, forcing the cancellation of 26 trains.
The Dhaka-Chattogram highway, a critical transportation artery, has also been disrupted after parts of Cumilla's Chauddagram went under water.
The disruption of transportation links has further compounded the suffering of the flood-affected population, as emergency services struggle to reach those in need.
The lack of accessible roads has prompted urgent appeals for the use of speed boats and helicopters to rescue stranded residents and transport them to safety.
Government and Community Response:
In the face of this unprecedented disaster, the interim government has welcomed the eagerness of individuals and organizations to assist the flood victims.
A relief fund has been established, and donations are being collected to support the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
The Bangladesh Army has already donated the equivalent of one day's salary of all its members to the fund, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis.
The government has also taken steps to coordinate relief efforts, with Deputy Commissioners in the affected districts working closely with student organizers, the army, medics, and volunteers.
The Disaster Management Ministry has opened a hotline to provide information and assistance to those affected by the floods.
Hope on the Horizon:
Aglimmer of hope has emerged following reports that the flood situation is expected to improve within the next 48 hours.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) brings the ray of hope claiming that the water levels in key rivers, including the Gomti and Meghna, have started to decrease.
Despite the ongoing crisis, where rivers continue to flow above danger levels, the gradual decline in water levels is a positive sign for the millions affected by this natural disaster.
According to the FFWC, as of this afternoon, water levels in several rivers, including the Gomti, Kushiyara, Manu, Khowai, Meghna, and Halda, have started to reced over the past six hours.
In the meantime, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted that there will be less rain today, providing a brief respite for the flood-weary population. The authorities remain vigilant, with emergency services and relief teams on high alert to respond to any further developments.
Rivers still pose a threat:
Despite these improvements, the danger is far from over.
Many rivers, including the Brahmaputra, Jamuna, and others, are still flowing above danger levels.
The water levels in the Ganga-Padma River system remain stable, but continuous monitoring is essential to anticipate any potential changes in the situation.
As Bangladesh battles yet another devastating flood within the span of two months, the resilience and determination of its people are being put to the test.
The human suffering and communication disruptions caused by the floods are a reminder of the vulnerability of millions of people in this low-lying country.
As the floodwaters begin to recede, the focus will shift to recovery and rebuilding, but the road ahead will be long and challenging for those affected by this unprecedented natural disaster.
BBN/AN/TA