The Independent, July 1, 2003

50,000 marooned in Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar

Staff Reporter

The overall flood situation in Bandarban and Cox’s Bazar districts deteriorated yesterday leaving a about 50,000 people marooned. Lama Pourashabha has gone under three feet water due to on-rush of waters from hills coupled with incessant rainfall.

Our Bandarban Correspondent reports: Low-lying areas of five upazilas and the district headquarters of Bandarban were submerged due to rise in the water-level of the river Sangu and Matamuhuri today.

The Lama Pourashabha went under three feet water following on-rush of waters from the hills. A few hundred people have taken shelter in different government offices and educational institutions in the district town.

According to sources in the District Control Room, a total of 20,000 people have been marooned in the flood-hit upazilas. At least 300 houses were damaged by mudslide from hills in Lama, Alikadam, Bandarban Sadar, Roangchhari, Ruma, Thanchi and Naikhongchhari upazilas.

Our Cox's Bazar Correspondent adds: Flood situation of Chakoria upazila of the district worsened due to torrential rain and rushing hill water today leaving at least 30,000 people of 10 unions marooned.

Portion of Chakoria-Baniarchar-Magnama-Kutubdia Road went under flood water.

According to the Joynab Hossain, upazila Agriculture officer of Chakoria, Aman seed bed on 110 hectares, Aus paddy on 172 hectares, Surma vegetables on 500 hectares of land have been affected by the flood in the upazila.

Sources said Baratali, Harbong, Kaiyarbil Kakara, Laksharchar, Fashihakhali, Cheringa, Saharbil, Bocharzara and Khatakhali unions are the worst affected. Nearly 5000 houses have been damaged at Baratali Kaiyarbil, Kakara and Laksharchar unions. At least one hundred educational institutions including Chakoria College have gone under three to four feet flood water. Classes have been suspended in the educational institutions.

Heavy rain has been continuing at Cox's Bazar district headquarters till filing of this report. All the major rivers in the district were flowing over their respective danger levels.

The local met office recorded 108 mm of rainfall during the last 24 hours.