Residents of 6 Rangamati villages marooned as rain inundates low-lying areas

Incessant rain for the last few days and onrush of water from the upstream inundated low-lying areas in Baghaichhari upazila, leaving over 1,000 people marooned.

Also, the flood control embankment of Baribindughat was partially damaged, reports news agency UNB.

Meanwhile, the water level of Kaptai Lake rose to 83 MSL (Means Sea Level).

Upazila nirbahi officer (UNO) Md Ahsan Habib said the administration has opened 24 shelters fearing the situation might worsen as water of Kachalong river continues to rise. Food will be arranged for those who will come to the shelters.

“The low-lying areas are being inundated quickly. Many more areas are likely to be flooded if the rainfall does not decrease. On the other hand, relief materials didn’t reach the affected areas due to strong current of the river,” he added.

UNO Habib also said residents of Tulaban, Baribindu Ghat, Modhoyyum Dobar Para, Muslim Block, Puran Marishaya, Master Para and Bottoli have already become marooned.

The areas are facing shortage of pure drinking water. About 300 people took refuge at the shelters after those were opened by the administration. Many others took shelter at houses of their relatives.

“The people became marooned at various places of the municipality. Locals are facing acute shortage of drinking water because the tube-wells were submerged,” said Baghaichhari municipal mayor Jafol Ali Khan.

Upazila parishad chairmen are arranging food at the shelter centres in their respective areas.