Landslides and FloodscHit Bangladesh

More than 500 houses have been washed away and the death toll this week has risen to 106 in the landslides and floods that hit Bangladesh on Monday. The landslides occured mostly in remote villages with poor roads and terrains conducive for the rains.

15 bodies were pulled out today  adding to the number of lives lost in the disaster. Rescuers and search teams are working tirelessly but are not helped by the poor roads in the area. 86 bodies from across the port city on Wednesday while 18 were from Lebu Bagan, and two from Kaichyaghona.

Officials say that as of last night, 56 people were confirmed to have died at Lebu Bagan, Kaichyaghona and Sekander colony, all adjoining the Chittagong cantonment under Hathazari upazila.

Ashraf Shamim the Deputy Commissioner however put the death count at 101. Sources in the district administration said they have been continuing relief efforts with materials from the government funds including 200 metric tons of food grains.

Some 1,000 kg rice, 200 kg flattened rice, 25 kg gur (molasses), 100 pieces of saree and 100 pieces of lungi were  shared among the affected families yesterday. Also  they are preparing to provide financial assistance to the affected families.

The government had already allocated Tk 13 lakh for relief and rehabilitation of the victims, added the sources.

As though the rains have not caused enough damage, Power and gas lines remained snapped, compounding their sufferings. Without  the supply of gas, locals of areas like Lalkhan Bazar and Debarpar would be unable to cook their meals while electricity connections to many city quarters could not yet be restored.

Several thousand people including those in the city centre, Agrabad CDA Residential Area, had to remain confined to their houses.  A, K and L blocks of Halishahar Housing Estate, Shantibagh, Shyamali, Sabujbagh and many areas along the Agrabad Excess Road were under ankle- to knee-deep water.

Ground floors of around 500 buildings in Agrabad CDA R/A were submerged, shutting in the locals. Many houses were waist-deep in water that caused damage to furniture and household appliances.