People of Noakhali, Lakhsmipur suffer amid load shedding, waterlogging
Since yesterday (22 August) noon, raining has stopped in both districts, and sun could be seen for a short period around 11am this morning (23 August).
The flood situation in Noakhali has worsened due to increased water flow from incessant raining and Muhuri river in Feni, due to which at least 4.5 lakh people are experiencing electricity outage in the district.
On the other hand, people living in 58 unions of Lakhsmipur district are currently experiencing acute waterlogging as embankments have been built on three water bodies for fish farming.
Since yesterday (22 August) noon, raining has stopped in both districts, and sun could be seen for a short period around 11am this morning (23 August).
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
In Noakhali, most areas of the eight upazilas of the district have been victims of waterlogging. Senbag, Begumganj, Companiganj and Kabirhat upazilas have been hit the hardest due to flood water coming from the Muhuri river in Feni, while Encroachment of the district's canals and not cleaning up the drains have exacerbated the situation.
According to Analyst of Noakhali Met Office Arjul Islam, 207mm rain had been recorded during Wednesday and Thursday.
General Manager of Noakhali Rural Electrification Board Md Jakir Hossain said that among their 7.75 lakh customers, 4.5 lakh are currently without electricity.
"Electric lines in many areas have been damaged. In some areas, we are not giving connections fearing people will be electrocuted. In Begumganj, water has entered a sub station," Jakir said.
Deputy Commissioner of Noakhali Dewan Mahbubur Rahman said, "Eight out of nine upazilas of the district have been affected. Around 36,000 people have taken shelter in 388 relief shelters, and around 2 million people are currently submerged in water. We're providing dry foods, rice and cash money to people, and we're calling upon the wealthy people to help those in need."
Meanwhile, all of the 58 unions in Lakhsmipur have been affected by floods.
According to locals, influential people have encroached upon the Dakatia river.
"As a result, flood water coming from Cumilla can't flow to the Bay of Bengal through this river flowing through the district. This is the cause of the flooding and waterlogging," locals said.
Besides, Wapda canal and Bhulua river in Noakhali have also been grabbed by local powerful people. For this reason, flood water has turned into severe waterlogging in Lakhsmipur district.
