The families were elated at receiving the gift during such hard times. A total of 80 families from Chhota Baisdia union of Rangabali upazila and 50 from Panpatti union of Galachipa upazila have received the food assistance.
Prothom Alo Bondhushava of Patuakhali unit handed over the gifts to the people.
Sakhina Bibi was overjoyed getting the food packet and said, “Some people gave us cheera (flattened rice) and sugar at the beginning of the flood. But, after the flood, no one bothered. You are the first to give us rice and dal. Now, we will get to eat well for a few days.”
Halima Begum, a 50-year-old widow, from Kawkhali village of Galachipa has received the relief. Like Sakhina, she also has been living on the embankment for weeks.
She said, “I cannot repair my damaged house yet. The house will be submerged if the water level in the river rises again. I am helpless in such situation. This relief will help the poor families like us to survive for few days.”
Holding the relief to her chest, Jhumur Bibi, 25, of Gupter Hawla village in Galachipa said, “Three tidal surges triggered by cyclone Yaas have been washed our homestead away.”
Anyone wanting to extend a helping hand to flood affected people may make a donation to Prothom Alo Trust/Relief Fund, Account No: 207 200 11194, Dhaka Bank Limited, Karwan Bazar Branch, Dhaka.