United News of Bangladesh

Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Saturday said the government will take all necessary measures to protect people of Banshkhali from recurrent floods. He said the canals in the area have been gradually disappearing due to prolonged encroachment and pollution, causing widespread flooding even after normal rainfall. “Canals will be excavated and re-excavated to restore water flow so that rainwater can drain away as quickly as possible,” he told reporters during a visit to rehabilitation activities for people affected by the recent floods in Banshkhali upazila of Chattogram. Ctg flood causes loss of Tk 70cr for fish sector The minister also said sustainable embankments would be constructed to prevent floodwaters from the hills from inundating homes and settlements. He said the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Chattogram on Sunday to participate in various programmes including the construction of homes for flood victims and distribution of relief materials. Later, the minister inspected the venue of the Prime Minister's public rally in Baharchhara of the upazila. Local MP Principal Zahirul Islam and BNP leader Mishkatul Islam Chowdhury Pappa, among others, were present.

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit on Tuesday said no flood-affected family in Cox’s Bazar would be deprived of relief and rehabilitation assistance as the government has allocated additional relief materials and cash support to meet the needs of those affected. Speaking to reporters after distributing relief among flood victims in Jhilongja Union of Cox’s Bazar Sadar, the state minister said the government had stood by the flood-hit people from the very beginning and would continue extending all necessary assistance until normalcy was restored. He said a coordination meeting held at the office of the Cox’s Bazar deputy commissioner on Monday reviewed the flood situation, ongoing relief operations and rehabilitation plans. The meeting, attended by district and upazila administrations, local lawmakers and officials of different government agencies, also decided to provide additional allocations for every upazila based on local demand to ensure assistance reaches all affected families. Amit said the government’s objective, under the directives of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was not limited to emergency relief distribution but also to restoring the normal lives of affected people as quickly as possible. He said rehabilitation efforts would include repairing damaged houses, rebuilding roads, bridges and culverts, restoring educational and religious institutions, and rapidly assessing losses in agriculture, fisheries and livestock to implement appropriate recovery measures. Referring to fatalities caused by landslides during the recent floods, the state minister warned that living on hill slopes remained extremely dangerous. He said the government planned to rehabilitate people residing in high-risk areas by providing land and housing in safer locations. Stressing the importance of public awareness, he urged the media to play an active role in informing people about the risks of hill settlements. The minister also said the government would take a tough stance against illegal hill cutting and encroachment, adding that influential groups would not be allowed to engage in such activities. On relief operations, he said coordinated efforts involving the district and upazila administrations, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, elected representatives and private organisations had made relief distribution and rehabilitation more effective. The government intended to strengthen this coordination further, he added. Replying to a question about repairing damaged sluice gates and embankments, Amit said he had already discussed the matter with the state minister responsible for the Ministry of Water Resources. He expressed hope that they would jointly visit Cox’s Bazar within the next one to two weeks to inspect the damaged infrastructure and take necessary measures.

At least 51 people were killed and 39 others injured in floods, hill runoff and landslides that have affected seven districts, according to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry. The flood-affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj. Among the fatalities, Cox's Bazar recorded the highest number with 28 deaths, followed by Chattogram with 13, Bandarban six, Rangamati three and Moulvibazar one. Of the 39 injured, 24 were reported in Cox's Bazar, 12 in Chattogram, two in Bandarban and one in Khagrachhari. The flood-hit areas included 59 upazilas , 368 unions and 12 municipalities, said the ministry in its updated report. To accommodate displaced people, authorities have opened 1,049 shelter centres across the affected districts. A total of 38,422 people have taken refuge at these shelters as relief and emergency response operations continue in the flood-hit areas. The government is continuing relief distribution and other emergency assistance for people affected by the floods, hill runoff and landslides. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated Tk 4,60 crore in cash and 8,950 metric tonnes of rice for all 64 districts across the country since July 7 to support people affected by floods and other disasters. According to a ministry statement issued on Sunday, the humanitarian assistance has been provided in phases to strengthen relief operations in disaster-hit areas. The ministry on Sunday also announced fresh allocations for Chattogram and Rangamati. Chattogram received an additional Tk 25 lakh and 500 metric tonnes of rice, while Rangamati was allocated Tk 500,000 and 100 metric tonnes of rice. Besides, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in 11 flood-affected districts across the country to assist flood victims. BGB Headquarters Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam on Sunday said BGB personnel are carrying out rescue operations in coordination with local administrations in flood-hit Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Chattogram, Feni, Sylhet, Habiganj, Sunamganj, Netrokona and Jamalpur districts. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant agencies and field-level administration to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to protect lives and property affected by widespread waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall, and ensure prompt relief distribution and healthcare services. The directive came during a virtual meeting from the Prime Minister's Office with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) of police, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons and other field-level officials from all eight divisions. During the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest waterlogging situation in their respective areas, including the extent of damage, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, relief distribution and healthcare services. UNB Chattogram correspondent reports: The overall flood situation in parts of Chattogram showed signs of improvement on Sunday following a reduction in rainfall and train services on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route resumed after remaining suspended for five days. The Tourist Express left Chattogram Railway Station for Cox’s Bazar at noon after floodwaters receded from the railway tracks, restoring rail connectivity on the route, according to railway sources. Although flood situation improved slightly, vast areas of Satkania, Lohagara, Chandanaish, Anwara and Banshkhali upazilas remain inundated, leaving hundreds of thousands of people stranded.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the severe floods and landslides in Bangladesh. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by the severe floods and landslides in Bangladesh,” he said in a condolence message. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed their unwavering solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh. “We pray for the swift recovery of the injured and the safety of all those affected,” the Pakistani Prime Minister said in a message posted on his X account. In a separate condolence message, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan stands in solidarity with the government and people of Bangladesh, and prayed for the success of the ongoing rescue and relief efforts and for the safety of all those impacted. "I am deeply saddened by the devastating floods and landslides in Bangladesh. My heartfelt condolences go to the families who have lost their loved ones, and my thoughts and prayers are with all those displaced and affected by this disaster,” he said. The Pakistani Minister paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the rescue personnel, armed forces, medical teams, and relief workers who are working tirelessly to assist those in need. The flood situation in seven districts across the country's southeastern and northeastern regions has worsened due to continuous heavy rainfall, upstream water flow, and landslides, leaving 51 people dead so far.  

Continuous rainfall triggered by a seasonal low over the Bay of Bengal has caused waterlogging in low-lying areas of Bagerhat, disrupting daily life and leaving low-income people struggling to make ends meet. The coastal district has been experiencing intermittent rain for the last six days, with heavy showers continuing on Friday morning. Continuous rain benefits agriculture; disrupts normal life in Bagerhat The prolonged rainfall has inundated low-lying areas, while many earthen roads in villages have become muddy and difficult to use. Residents are staying indoors unless absolutely necessary. The rough condition of the Bay of Bengal has also pushed up tidal water levels in nearby rivers, worsening waterlogging in some areas. The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has kept Local Cautionary Signal No. 3 in force for Mongla seaport. The Mongla Weather Observatory recorded 24 millimetres of rainfall in the past 24 hours.

As the vast haor waters slowly recede, life in Sunamganj’s low-lying wetlands is once again defined by urgency, mud and relentless labour by farmers. Across the district, farmers have plunged into the Boro cultivation season, racing against a narrow planting window that will determine their livelihoods for the year ahead. From one upazila to another, the haor landscape has turned vibrant with activity. Knee-deep in muddy water, farmers and agricultural labourers work from dawn to dusk, transplanting paddy seedlings on freshly exposed land. Shantiganj, Tahirpur, Madhyanagar, Dharmapasha, Shalla and Jamalganj are among the upazilas where the seasonal rush is most visible. According to the District Agriculture Department, seedlings have already been planted on 1.53 lakh hectares of land in Sunamganj. Read more: Jujube cultivation brings new prosperity to Cumilla’s Shikarpur village With haor waters withdrawing gradually, farmers are making full use of every available day to ensure timely transplantation and a successful harvest. Boro cultivation in the haor region typically begins after floodwaters recede, following the preparation of seedbeds in November and December. This year, soil testing has been completed in advance, and required fertilisers, including urea, TSP, DAP, MOP and gypsum, have been applied as per recommendations. Farmers are cultivating a mix of high-yielding and hybrid rice varieties, including BRRI dhan-28, BRRI dhan-29, BRRI dhan-89 and BRRI dhan-92. If weather conditions remain favourable, rice ears are expected to emerge in April-May, marking the crucial phase when grains mature ahead of harvest. Yet the physical toll of the season is unmistakable. Despite the biting winter cold, labourers stand for hours in icy water, trampling mud to plant seedlings by hand. For many, agriculture is the only means of survival, leaving little room for rest. “I work from 8am till evening for a daily wage of Tk 600 and one meal,” said Ibrahim Mia, a farmer from Khushdar Haor in Lalpur village. “Even in severe winters, we have to trample mud in water. We are poor people and survive through hard labour.” Like many others, Ibrahim hopes that good yields and fair market prices will reward their effort. “If we get proper prices, farmers will be more motivated,” he said. Read more: Haor regions to see controlled pesticide use in upcoming Boro season Officials say the Boro season is not only vital for food production but also creates seasonal employment in the haor belt. Deputy Director of the Sunamganj District Agricultural Extension Department Mohammad Omar Faruk said Boro remains the district’s main cropping season. “Workers from different districts have come to Sunamganj to take part in the planting activities,” he said, adding, “They are earning between Tk 600 and Tk 800 per day, which has created temporary employment opportunities in the haor areas.” He said the Boro cultivation target for the current season has been set at 2,23,505 hectares, with planting already completed on about 1,53,000 hectares. As farmers push forward against time, cold and uncertainty, the receding haor waters signal both hope and hardship, a familiar rhythm in Sunamganj, where the success of the Boro season shapes food security and livelihoods for thousands. Read more: Kushtia farmers upset over canal blockage, fear permanent waterlogging

Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency on Saturday (November 29) and appealed for international assistance as the death toll from heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Ditwah rose to 132, with a further 176 people reported missing. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invoked emergency laws, granting him wide powers to respond to the devastation following a week of torrential rain across the island. “We have 132 confirmed dead and another 176 missing,” DMC Director-General Sampath Kotuwegoda said, adding that relief efforts had been strengthened with the deployment of the army, navy and air force. Nearly 78,000 people have been displaced and are in temporary shelters, the South Asian country's disaster management center said. Read more: Over 20 killed, 14 missing as intense rainfall sparks landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka The death toll is expected to rise. Social media posts on Saturday showed several areas affected by overnight mudslides that authorities have yet to reach. Sri Lanka has been battered by severe weather since last week. Conditions worsened Thursday, with heavy downpours that flooded homes, fields and roads and triggered landslides mainly in the tea-growing central hill country. The government closed schools and offices and postponed examinations. Most reservoirs and rivers have overflowed, blocking roads. Authorities stopped passenger trains and closed roads in many parts of the country after rocks, mud and trees fell on roads and railway tracks. By Friday, water flowing downstream from severely affected areas began to inundate areas around the capital, Colombo, which experienced comparatively less rainfall. Authorities say that Ditwah, which developed in the seas east of Sri Lanka, is likely to move toward India's southern coast by Sunday. Read more: Sri Lanka shuts schools, offices as floods and landslides kill 56 Neighboring India dispatched two search and rescue teams, comprising 80 rescuers, and sent aid to support ongoing operations, the country's embassy in Colombo said Saturday. With inputs from agencies.

Sri Lanka closed government offices and schools Friday (November 28) as the death toll from widespread floods and landslides climbed to 56, with over 600 homes reported damaged, officials said. The country has been facing severe weather since last week, which intensified Thursday (November 27) with heavy rainfall that submerged homes, farmland, and roads, and triggered landslides nationwide. At least 25 people were killed Thursday in landslides in the central mountainous tea-growing districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, roughly 300 kilometers east of the capital Colombo. In these areas, another 21 people are missing and 14 were injured, according to the government’s disaster management center. Additional fatalities occurred in landslides elsewhere in the country. As conditions worsened, the government ordered all schools and government offices to remain closed Friday. Read more: Over 20 killed, 14 missing as intense rainfall sparks landslides and flooding in Sri Lanka Overflowing rivers and reservoirs have blocked many roads, forcing authorities to suspend passenger train services and close roadways in several regions. Landslides and floodwaters, along with fallen rocks, mud, and trees, disrupted both roads and railway lines. Local television footage showed an air force helicopter rescuing three people stranded on a flooded rooftop Thursday, while the navy and police used boats to evacuate residents. Another video showed a car swept away by floodwaters near the eastern town of Ampara, killing three passengers.

More than 20 people have died and 14 others are missing after days of heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding across Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan authorities have suspended passenger train services and shut down several roads as severe rainfall continues to unleash deadly landslides and floods, officials reported Thursday (November 27). According to the government’s disaster management center, 18 of the confirmed deaths were in the central highland districts of Badulla and Nuwara Eliya, well-known tea plantation areas located about 300 kilometers (186 miles) east of Colombo. Read more: Over 220 dead as floods and landslides devastate Northwest Pakistan The center also stated that 14 people remained unaccounted for Thursday following landslides in the same region. Since last week—when the country first began experiencing the intense weather—the overall death toll has climbed to 31. Torrential rains over the weekend inundated roads, farmland, and homes, causing widespread disruption. Train services in some mountainous areas were halted after landslides sent rocks, mud, and fallen trees onto rail lines. Local television footage showed crews working to clear the debris. Several roads were also closed because of deep flooding. Roughly 4,000 families have been affected by the severe weather, officials said. Read more: Tidal waters inundate low-lying areas as embankment collapses in Khulna

Vast low-lying areas in Dacope upazila of Khulna have been flooded after a 100-metre stretch of an embankment on the Dhaki River collapsed early Wednesday, allowing tidal waters to rush in and inundate nearby villages, triggering panic among local residents. The embankment breach occurred near Hari Mandir, west of Batbunia Bazar under Ward 7 of Tildanga Union in Polder No. 31, as the Dhaki River devoured the 100-metre section during the night. The collapse caused tidal water to enter surrounding areas, submerging over a hundred homes and vast tracts of farmland. When this correspondent visited the area on Wednesday, local residents were seen moving their houses and belongings to safer places to protect them from further damage. Authorities have yet to plug the breach, and tidal water continues to flow into the locality through the damaged portion of the embankment. 130 metres of Teesta bridge embankment collapses threatening 1700 families