National
Govt begins assessment of flood damage, plans for rehabilitation of affected communities
The government has initiated the process of assessing the damage caused by recent floods, with plans to start the rehabilitation of affected individuals and communities soon, according to Farooq-e Azam Bir Pratik, Adviser to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
In an interview with UNB, the adviser said, “We are transitioning from the relief phase to the rehabilitation phase. The damage assessment is progressing rapidly at the field level.”
He further assured that the rehabilitation process will be carried out following a proper procedure. “We will begin rehabilitation efforts as soon as the floodwaters recede. Our goal is to ensure that no one is left out,” he added.
The adviser emphasised that the interim government is committed to supporting those affected by the floods to the fullest extent. When asked about the timeline for completing the damage assessment, he responded, “We expect to finalize the assessment soon. We aim to provide accurate damage reports to facilitate the rehabilitation of all affected individuals, ensuring no one is overlooked.”
Farooq-e Azam also mentioned that the time allocated for reporting damage through the Form-D is typically three weeks, but the government has urged that this be completed within one week to expedite the process.
The adviser highlighted the determination of local authorities, saying, “When I spoke with field administrators, I observed their strong commitment to implementing the rehabilitation program without any hindrances.”
Damage Assessment and Coordination
The assessment process involves the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry, the Disaster Management Department, and Project Implementation Officers (PIOs) across flood-affected areas. Deputy Commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) are also collecting data on the damage.
Additionally, related ministries such as Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock, Land, and Water Resources are working in coordination to ensure a comprehensive assessment.
Aid for Flood Victims
The government plans to provide financial assistance to those affected by the floods, including farmers who will receive necessary agricultural tools. Homes will be rebuilt for those whose residences were destroyed, ensuring they are suitable for living. Financial aid will also be extended to poultry and livestock farmers to rebuild their farms, and they will be provided with livestock and poultry to restart their operations.
Support for Businesses
Flood-affected businesses will receive compensation, and assistance will be provided to restore shops and other establishments to help them resume operations.
Public Health and Safety
As floodwaters recede, the government is preparing for potential health issues that may arise. Medical treatment and essential medicines will be provided to affected communities to prevent disease outbreaks.
Counselling for Children
The floods have left many children in affected areas traumatized. Counselling services will be offered to help them overcome their fears, along with the provision of educational materials to support their studies.
Disaster Relief Fund and International Support
The Disaster Management and Relief Adviser has been accepting donation cheques from various organizations and individuals to aid flood victims. Donations are being received daily from 3 pm to 4 pm at the ministry.
During a meeting on 3 September with the UN Resident Coordinator, ILO Country Director, IOM Chief of Mission, and others, the adviser received assurances of support for the rehabilitation efforts.
“The UN agencies have expressed their willingness to assist in the rehabilitation process, commending the dedication and voluntary efforts of the Bangladeshi people,” Farooq-e-Azam said. “After the damage assessment, we will identify specific areas where these agencies can contribute, and they have promised full cooperation.”
He was optimistic: “Just as we have overcome the disaster with courage, aided by the general public and volunteers, I am confident that we will successfully complete the rehabilitation program.”
Flood situation update
According to KM Ali Reza, additional secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, the death toll from the floods stands at 71, including 19 children. The districts most affected include Cumilla, Feni, Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Lakshmipur, Cox’s Bazar, and Moulvibazar, with one person still missing in Moulvibazar.
Reza reported that the flood situation has fully normalized in Chattogram, Khagrachhari, Habiganj, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Cox’s Bazar. Improvement is also being seen in Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur districts.
Currently, 582,155 families remain waterlogged, affecting a total of 5,024,202 people. As conditions improve, many are returning to their homes from shelters. However, 285,996 people and 31,203 livestock remain in 3,612 shelters.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty winds at most places across the Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to their latest weather bulletin released on Thursday.
Day and night temperatures are expected to remain nearly unchanged across the country.
The highest rainfall in the country over the past 24 hours was recorded in Kumarkhali, with 104mm of rain by 6 a.m. on Thursday.
The axis of the monsoon trough extends from India’s Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal to Assam, passing through Bangladesh, with one of its associated troughs stretching into the North Bay of Bengal.
The monsoon remains active over Bangladesh and moderate to strong over the North Bay region.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecasted that the mild heat wave currently affecting parts of the country, including the capital, is expected to subside in most areas within the next 24 hours, starting from 9 am today.
“A mild heat wave is sweeping across the divisions of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, and Sylhet, as well as the districts of Jashore, Chuadanga, and Kushtia. It is likely to ease in most regions,” the department reported.
In addition, BMD predicted light to moderate rainfall or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, across most of Rangpur, Rajshahi, Dhaka, Mymensingh, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram, and Sylhet divisions. Some areas are expected to experience moderate to very heavy rainfall.
Temperatures across the country may drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius during both day and night.
On Monday, Dinajpur in the Rangpur division recorded the country’s highest temperature at 38.6°C, while Bandarban in the Chattogram division saw the lowest temperature at 24.6°C early today.
Meanwhile, rainfall recorded in the past 24 hours, ending at 6 am today, reached 66 mm in Nikli of Dhaka Division.
The sunset in Dhaka is at 5:53 pm today, and sunrise is expected at 5:49 am tomorrow.
Two separate murder cases were filed today in connection with the deaths of a private service holder and a Madrasa student during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The first case was lodged by Ridwan Ahmed with Panchlaish police station, accusing former ministers Dr. Hasan Mahmud, Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, and 127 others for the death of his nephew Sujan, 14. Sujan, the son of Belal Hossain from Beramara village in Noakhali’s Sadar Thana, was a student at Al Jamirul Hayat Madrasa in the city’s Chandgaon area. He was fatally shot in the Muradpur area on July 18.
The second case was filed by Jamal Uddin at Doublemooring police station, accusing 225 individuals, including Dr. Hasan Mahmud and Education Minister Barrister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Naufel, for the killing of his elder brother Alam, a private service holder, on August 5.
