United News of Bangladesh

At least eighteen people died and nearly 51 lakh people were affected as floods wreaked more havoc in vast areas of 11 districts. Of the total deaths, four died in Cumilla, one in Feni, five in Chattogram, three in Noakhali, one each in Brahmanbaria and Laxmipur and three in Cox’s Bazar districts, the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief said in a statement updated at 7pm on Saturday. So far, some 50,93,539 people have been affected and a total of 3,513 shelter centers have been opened where 3,01,993 people and 21,695 cattle took shelter. Meanwhile, a sum of Tk 3.52 crore has been allocated in the 11 flood-hit districts while 20,150 tonnes of rice, 15,000 packets/sacks of dry foods and baby foods and fodder worth Tk 70 lakh were allocated. A total of 769 medical teams have been kept prepared to provide medical treatment in the flood affected areas and the army personnel and district civil surgeons are providing medical services. Besides, adequate relief materials have been stocked in all districts of the country, said the ministry adding that the deputy commissioners of the flood-affected districts have been instructed to work together in coordination with the coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, army, navy, medical team and other volunteers. A control room has been opened in the ministry to monitor the flood situation and a hotline number 02-55101115 was opened to provide immediate services. Advisor and Secretary to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief visited the flood affected areas to monitor the flood situation and the adviser is curently staying at Feni. Those interested in providing assistance to the victims of the recent severe floods can send the assistance to the Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund at the following account name and number. Account Name: 'Principal Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund', Bank: Sonali Bank Corporate Branch, Chief Adviser's Office, Account No: 0107333004093. Earlier, Disaster Management and Relief Secretary Md Kamrul Hasan said there is no possibility of heavy rainfall in the northeastern part of the country and adjoining upstream in the next 24 hours. The flood situation in Moulvibazar and Habiganj districts adjacent to the Manu, Khowai and Dholai rivers is likely to improve during this period, he added. Besides, there is no possibility of heavy rainfall in the southeastern part of the country and adjoining upstream in the next 24 hours.  Flood situation is expected to improve in the adjoining areas of Muhuri, Feni, Gumti and Halda rivers in Feni, Cumilla and Chattogram districts of the region.