Dhaka: At least 51 people have been killed and 39 others injured in widespread floods and landslides across Bangladesh, according to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
The ministry said the disaster has affected 1,022,963 people, while 267,918 families remain marooned in flood-hit areas. Relief efforts are underway, with 44,457 people currently taking shelter in designated relief centres.
The worst-affected districts include Rangamati, Bandarban, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Khagrachhari, Cox's Bazar and Chattogram. Cox's Bazar has reported the highest death toll with 28 fatalities, followed by Chattogram (13), Bandarban (6), Rangamati (3) and Moulvibazar (1), according to local media reports.
Authorities said flooding has impacted 58 upazilas, 386 unions and 12 municipalities, prompting the establishment of 1,131 relief shelters for displaced residents.
Amid the worsening situation, Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant government agencies and field-level authorities to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to safeguard lives and property affected by severe waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall.
The directive was issued during a virtual meeting with Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Police, Deputy Commissioners (DCs), Superintendents of Police (SPs), Civil Surgeons and other senior officials from all eight divisions.
During the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister on the flood situation in their respective regions, including the extent of damage, rescue operations, conditions at relief shelters, distribution of aid and the availability of healthcare services.
Rahman instructed authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property and ensure the rapid distribution of relief supplies, including dry food, safe drinking water, baby food, essential medicines and medical assistance to affected communities.
He also directed law enforcement agencies to remain on the highest alert to prevent theft, hoarding, misappropriation of relief materials and other criminal activities that could exploit the ongoing emergency.
With IANS inputs