The recent floods and heavy rains that struck Chattogram south and Bandarban have left behind an unprecedented trail of devastation. A significant portion of Chattogram city found itself submerged. Meanwhile, the situation in two upazilas of Bandarban, nestled in the Chattogram Hill Tracts, is even direr as most of the houses, both public and private, have been reduced to ruins. Adding to the woes, the ongoing construction of the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar railway tracks has suffered extensive damage from the floodwaters.
Local residents have raised objections, attributing the flood’s severity to the construction of high embankments for the rail line. They argue that this altered the natural flow of rainwater, exacerbating the flood situation. Tragically, the calamity has claimed the lives of over 50 individuals, including women and children, who fell victim to floods and landslides. Moreover, the agricultural sector has suffered immense losses, with crops amounting to millions of taka being decimated by the floodwaters and rains.
According to a report of Prothom Alo correspondent, the floodwaters have significantly receded. Normalcy has returned to the city of Chattogram. However, the threat to public life persists in areas such as Chandanaish, Satkania, Lohagara, and Anwara in Chattogram south, as well as Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar, and in the hill regions of Bandarban. In numerous locations within Satkania, Chandanaish, and Chakaria, roofs of houses were inundated. Local elders have said they have never witnessed such extensive floods in their lifetimes.
The situation is particularly dire in Bandarban, where floodwaters have risen up to second floor of buildings in some places. Many individuals in the district stay in shelters due to the destruction of their homes. Notably, the Bandarban water treatment plant and the power office have also been submerged due to the floodwaters.
There is a shortage of drinking water and food in the flood-affected areas. Both governmental and non-government organizations are distributing relief materials, but the quantities provided are inadequate. The prices of daily essentials have skyrocketed. The allocated per capita relief in Chattogram south and Cox’s Bazar districts is meager. Due to severed road connections with Bandarban’s Ruma and Thanchi upazilas, relief suppliers are struggling to reach these remote areas. Presently, the only viable mode of transportation for residents of these upazilas is waterways. Exploiting this situation, the owners of engine-powered boats have hiked their fare.
As reported by Prothom Alo correspondents, the flood-ravaged Ruma and Thanchi upazilas have been nearly devastated. Employment emerges as the most pressing concern for the inhabitants of these two upazilas. Locals have voiced that relying on relief supplies is unsustainable in the long term. They believe that if local shops are rehabilitated, they can swiftly resume their business activities.
It’s worth noting that Ruma and Thanchi were reopened to tourists last month after an extended closure. Unfortunately, the tourism industry has once again been severely impacted by the recent floods. Many structures, including residential hotels, have been submerged. Consequently, business owners are anxious about when these tourist destinations can be reopened.
Given this situation, it is imperative for the government and local administration to promptly provide adequate relief materials to the affected population. Financial assistance should also be extended to support the repair of damaged homes. Additionally, there is an urgent need to expedite the process of restoring the road connection between Thanchi, Ruma, and the district town.
It is indeed true that the initial days of August have witnessed an excess of rainfall in the districts. However, environmentalists assert that the severity of the flood can be attributed to unplanned development, reckless hill cutting, and the widespread destruction of forests. To mitigate future flood occurrences, development efforts should prioritize the preservation of hills and forests to the fullest extent. Additionally, safeguarding the region’s rivers should be a crucial focus.
While constructing the railway tracks, it’s imperative to not only consider the infrastructure itself but also the livelihoods of the local inhabitants. If the high embankment of the railway line contribute to severe flooding, it becomes vital to establish alternative mechanisms for diverting water. Given the anticipated escalation of flood frequency due to climate change, addressing these concerns gain even more significance.
Both development and communication initiatives serve the interests of people. However, it’s crucial that these endeavors do not jeopardize human lives. It is hoped that the government’s policymakers will take these factors into their thoughtful consideration.