As floodwaters gradually recede in many parts of Bangladesh, the aftermath of the devastating disaster continues to wreak havoc on the lives of millions. The flooding, which has ravaged 11 districts, has left a trail of destruction, with at least 59 people dead and more than 53 lakh individuals affected, according to The Daily Star.
Although the water has begun to withdraw, the struggle for survival persists for many, particularly those from low-income families and farming communities who have lost not only their homes but also their means of livelihood.
Homelessness and Despair: The Human Toll
In the flood-ravaged village of Mierpara in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila, the devastation is palpable. Nurun Begum, a 65-year-old resident, recounts the tragic loss of her home: “Floodwaters swept away my mud house.
It’s all I had in this world. Now, I have no place to live.” With her voice heavy with despair, she shared how she has been forced to take shelter on the front porch of a neighbor’s house, unable to return to the life she once knew.
Similar stories of loss and displacement echo throughout the affected districts. Sujan Mia, an autorickshaw driver from the same village, describes how his house was submerged after the embankment along the Manu River was breached on August 22.
“Even though the floodwater has receded, I cannot return home as my house has been damaged,” he said. Sujan is now staying with relatives, grappling with the uncertainty of when, or if, he will be able to rebuild his life.
For many, the loss extends beyond their homes. Jamsed Ali, another resident of Mierpara, saw his sole source of income—the vegetable garden that sustained his family—washed away by the floods. “Now, how will my family survive?” he laments, his voice reflecting the grim reality faced by thousands who have seen their livelihoods vanish overnight.
The Scope of Destruction: A Cry for Relief
The extent of the damage is staggering. In Moulvibazar alone, around 8,786 houses have been damaged by the recent flood, according to Moulvibazar District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mohammad Sadu Mia. The local administration has taken steps to address the crisis, with a letter already sent to higher authorities seeking allocation to rehabilitate the flood victims. However, the road to recovery is long, and for many, the immediate future remains bleak.
In Burichang upazila, the devastation is even more severe. Around 40,000 houses have been damaged, leaving thousands of families homeless. MA Azim, a resident of Mohismara village, expressed his grief, stating that his house and all the furniture within it had been washed away.
“But I don’t have the money to repair it,” he said, revealing that he and his family have taken refuge with relatives. The scale of destruction in Burichang underscores the urgent need for relief and rehabilitation efforts to be ramped up to provide some measure of solace to those who have lost everything.
Gradual Improvement, But Challenges Remain
According to a government report released yesterday, over seven lakh families are still marooned across the country, despite the gradual improvement in flood conditions. Flooding has subsided entirely in several districts, including Chattogram, Feni, Khagrachari, Habiganj, Sylhet, Brahmanbaria, and Cox’s Bazar, offering a glimmer of hope to those affected.
The report from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief also highlighted that the flood situation is improving in Moulvibazar, and the situation is gradually stabilizing in Cumilla, Noakhali, and Lakshmipur.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre echoed these sentiments in a bulletin issued yesterday, noting that most of the major rivers in the country are in a falling trend, signaling further improvement in the flood situation. However, the report also emphasized that 7,05,052 families remain marooned, with many still in dire need of assistance.
As the waters recede, the focus now shifts to recovery and rehabilitation. The government, alongside various non-governmental organizations, is working to provide relief to the affected families, but the scale of the disaster demands a concerted and sustained effort. The rebuilding of homes, restoration of livelihoods, and rehabilitation of displaced families will require significant resources and time.
For those like Nurun Begum, Sujan Mia, and Jamsed Ali, the path to recovery is fraught with challenges. The loss they have endured is not just material but deeply personal, as they grapple with the uncertainty of the future. The floods may have receded, but the scars they have left behind will take much longer to heal.
In the coming weeks and months, the resilience of these communities will be tested as they work to rebuild their lives from the ground up. The support they receive during this critical period will determine not just their immediate survival but their ability to recover and thrive in the aftermath of one of the most devastating floods to hit Bangladesh in recent years.
