People trapped in water in Kutubdia-Pekua are not getting dry food

Due to continuous rain for a week, the dams of Kutubdia and Pekua have broken, submerging people’s houses. Although the amount of rain has decreased in the last two days, the water has started rising again after heavy rains since Sunday (July 12) morning. It is learned that most of the houses in Kutubdia-Pekua are still under water. People are worried as the water level has increased due to excessive rain. People are spending their days without food. But the administration of the two upazilas has not provided adequate dry food.
Local residents said that this terrible waterlogging has been caused by some unscrupulous groups fishing by obstructing the movement of water in the sluice gates and culverts of the Water Development Board.
On the ground, it can be seen that various areas including Motir Baper Para, Chinni Khaye Para, Shahjir Para, Gain Kata, Nayaghona, Dhupi Para, Kilar Para, Batighar of Dakshin Dhurung Union, Azim Uddin Sikder Para, Chati Para, Joyjayar Para, Juri Para, and Juri Para of Chader Ghona Union in Kutubdia Upazila have been submerged.
The most waterlogged area is Azam Colony of Baraghop Union, where water is accumulated up to the waist. Apart from this, the suffering of the common people is increasing due to the rising water on various roads of the island. East Tabalerchar, Anishar Deil, Jele Para of Ali Akbar Deil Union, Barayar Para, Monoharkhali, Miaar Ghona, Azam Colony, Kalaiya Para, South Amjakhali, Malamchar, Killar Para, Nazar Ali Matabar of Baraghop Union.
Meanwhile, most of the villages of Taitong, Barabakia, Shilkhali, Pekua Sadar, Ujantia, Rajakhali and Magnama Union of Pekua Upazila are still submerged. The only hope of the common people is boats. Residents of Ujantia Union said that even though the UNO came on Saturday, they did not listen to anything from the common people. We cannot sleep at night, our children are starving. No one is helping. The leaders are building dams around us and drowning us.
Farid Ahmed, a resident of Baraghop Union, said that due to continuous rain, water has accumulated and the normal life of the people has been completely disrupted. Many people deliberately close the sluice gates to catch fish. He demanded that they be identified and brought to justice.
Harun, a farmer who lost everything he owned, told Jugantar, “My house was submerged in water on the first night of continuous heavy rain. The water level was so high that all the furniture including pots and pans in the house were washed away before my eyes. Somehow, I have rescued some things and am now spending my days with my family in someone else’s house.”
Breaking down in tears, he said, “A bigger pain than losing my house is that my fish pond has been washed away. The fish pond was my only means of survival. Now I am completely destitute.” In this situation, it has been a week, no one has come forward to look after us.”
Kutubdia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mizanur Rahman said, “Strict instructions have been given to the local union council to monitor the sluice gates and culverts. The upazila administration is also involved in this monitoring work.” He further said that arrangements have been made to distribute dry food among the flooded families. Pekua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rafiqul Islam said, “We are monitoring the situation day and night. The administrative team is working in the affected areas. 10 metric tons of GR rice has been allocated for seven unions. More assistance will be sought if necessary. The work of distributing dry food is underway.