Flood waters recede in Banshkhali, but relief is not reaching the affected people

More than three lakh people in the upazila were stranded for a week due to heavy rains, hill floods and sea tides. The water has started receding slightly since Monday (July 13) morning.
On Monday morning, it was seen on the ground that the water has started receding in the Dakshin Ilsha, Saral, and Gandamara areas of Baharchhara union of the upazila. The affected people in these areas have complained that they have not received government and private relief assistance due to the lack of additional water and communication system in the area.
Abdul Karim, a CNG-powered autorickshaw driver from Manikpathan area of ​​Katharia union, said that adequate relief has not reached the areas most affected by the flood. Those who came with relief have left it on the side of the road.
Abu Ahmed, president of the Paschim Gandamara Salt Farmers’ Association, said that farmers in the Paschim Gandamara area have suffered extensive damage due to the flood waters. They have not received any kind of government or private relief assistance so far. Due to poor communication system, relief vehicles are not able to enter the area. It is estimated that about 200 million taka of damage has been caused in West Gandamara so far. Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Md. Ruhul Amin said, the water has started receding in the affected areas. Relief activities are continuing in these areas by various government and private organizations. We have distributed 100 tons of rice and dry food to 5,000 families in the flood-affected areas of the upazila till Monday. In the meantime, members of the army have joined us in the field.