Sylhet flood situation worsens marooning 5.5 lakh people

The flood situation in Sylhet district, fuelled by cyclone Remal, has worsened significantly over the last 24 hours, marooning over 5.5 lakh people in five upazilas bordering India.

Due to the severity of the crisis, Sylhet City Corporation authorities have cancelled weekend holidays of all staff, while entry bans have been imposed on tourist sites.

Sylhet city is still free from major flooding, but authorities are expecting the situation to get out of control very soon. The sudden crisis has started due to the onrush of river water from Indian hilly areas after incessant rains there fuelled by cyclone.

About 33 of the total 48 unions in upazilas of Gowainghat, Jaintapur, Companiganj, Jakiganj and Kanaighat have been flooded. At least 470 shelters have been opened in these areas, reports BSS.

District authorities have already started relief works for the stranded people in the flooded areas. BGB personnel and firefighters have been deployed to rescue people while the Army has been kept ready for emergency response.

Water Development Board sources said waters of Surma, Kushiyara and Sari rivers were flowing above the danger line at five points till 3pm Thursday.

Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Touhidul Islam told BSS that 75% areas in the upazila have been affected by the flash flood as over a lakh people have been marooned.

Jaintapur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Umme Salik Rumaiya told reporters that four unions of the upazila’s total six unions have gone under water.