(BSS)- Incessant rainfall over the last week led to floods and landslides, significantly disrupting public life across various districts in the Chattogram division.

Millions were marooned in floodwater, with many areas became isolated. Approximately 867,000 people across five districts have been affected as rising water hindered their normal life and landslides have taken serious turn.

In response, the government has intensified its relief efforts for the flood victims in the affected areas. Relief materials are being distributed among flood victims in a coordinated manner.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Anindya Islam Amit along with State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief M Iqbal Hossain is coordinating and supervising the rescue operations, relief distribution, rehabilitation efforts, and the activities of all relevant government agencies.

Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin said both ministers have visited flood affected upazilas and monitoring the relief distribution. Bangladesh Army are working with the civil administration to address the crisis.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), at the request of the Deputy Commissioner, Bangladesh Army`s 10th and 24th Infantry Divisions were engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Army members are providing emergency food supplies, including rice, chira, muri, pure water, and other essentials in remote areas of Satkania, Banshkhali, and Fatikchhari upazilas.

According to the most recent updates from the Divisional Commissioner`s Office, 43 individuals have lost their lives and 39 have sustained injuries due to the ongoing rains and landslides in the districts of Chattogram, Cox`s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban over the past few days.

At least, 867,000 individuals have been affected. The current situation in the five districts represents one of the most severe floods and landslides in recent history.

Besides, over 37,000 individuals are currently residing in shelters. Among the deceased, 11 are from Chattogram, 23 from Cox`s Bazar (including 13 Rohingya), 3 from Rangamati, and 6 from Bandarban.

A total of 39 individuals were reported injured, with 12 in Chattogram, 24 in Cox`s Bazar, 1 in Khagrachhari, and 2 in Bandarban.

Chattogram district has experienced the most significant impact from this disaster, affecting over 662,000 people. The flood situation has worsened considerably in the Satkania and Banshkhali upazilas, where more than 500,000 people remained stranded. In Cox`s Bazar, 158,027 people have been affected, along with 3,820 in Rangamati, 34,417 in Khagrachhari, and 8,350 in Bandarban.

Satkania upazila of Chattogram experienced the hardest hit by the flooding. The rising waters of the Sangu and Dolu rivers, coupled with landslides, have submerged extensive areas of Bajalia, Keochia, Chadaha, Kaliaish, Dharmapur, Khagaria, Amilaish, Dhemsha, Nalua, Charati, and Purangarh unions. Homes, crop lands, fish farms, markets, and rural roads have all been inundated. In many regions, boats have become the sole means of transportation.

Satkania Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Khandaker Mahmudul Hasan reported that over four hundred thousand individuals remain trapped in floodwaters. Efforts are being made to supply both cooked and dry food to all affected persons. The primary challenge lies in accessing remote regions, where the army is utilizing speedboats for relief delivery. Nearly fifty percent of agricultural land submerged, while the loss of fisheries sector is yet to be calculated.

Floodwaters have also engulfed 14 unions of adjacent Banshkhali upazila. The situation is worsened at Khankhanabad, Katharia, Baharchhara, Gandamara, Shekherkhil, Saral, Chhanua, and Gunagari unions.

Most of the Kutch and mud-built house collapsed and most of the villages are out of power for last few days. Furthermore, the scarcity of clean water, baby food, and medicines is escalating.

Banshkhali Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Ruhul Amin indicated that nearly half of the upazila are under water. To date, 46 tons of rice, 10,000 packets of dry food, and cooked meals for 10,000 individuals have been distributed.

Coordination between government and private entities is underway to assist the flood victims. Additionally, low-lying areas in Fatikchhari, Raozan, Hathazari, Mirsarai, Anwara, and Rangunia in Chattogram have also been affected by flooding. This situation has led to significant destruction of homes, agricultural land, and fish ponds.

According to the Divisional Commissioner`s Office, a total of 1,727 shelters have been established across five districts in the Chattogram division, with 37,055 individuals currently taking refuge in those facilities.

To date, a total of 191.6 metric tons of rice, cash amount of Taka 90.47 lakh and 34,470 packets dry food have been distributed in five districts.

Cooked meals, baby food, diapers, and sanitary napkins have also been provided in various districts. Sufficient relief materials were being stocked to address the flood situation. Additionally, dry food has been distributed with the assistance of several NGOs. Various political parties and social organizations are also engaged in relief distribution.

Chattogram Divisional Commissioner said, they are gathering information from field level to assess the actual extent of damage. The government has initiated the process of compiling a list of affected farmers to provide necessary assistance, he said.

An emergency meeting of the top-level officials has been convened. Additionally, inspections of the affected areas and the distribution of relief in the affected areas has been intensified, he added.