Refugees in search of shelter, shortage of clean water and food

The flood situation in Lakshmipur-Noakhali has not improved for a week due to torrential downpours from India's Tripura and heavy rains for several days. Banavashis are running from one place to another in search of shelter. In addition to the shelter crisis, the Banvasis are suffering from shortage of medicine, clean water and food.

The people of Lakshmipur have been running around in search of relief and shelter for the past one week. 8 lakh people of 5 upazilas were trapped in water and lost their homes due to flooding. Only 25 thousand people have settled in 198 shelters.

There is no relief in shelters either. There is no electricity most of the day and night. Apart from this, the incidence of water borne diseases has increased. Shelters do not have adequate supplies of medicine, clean water and food.

Relief did not reach many flood-affected areas of Noakhali. Relief did not reach many areas affected by the floods of Noakhali. 66 medical teams have been formed by the Laxmipur district administration to protect the health of the people living in the flood-affected areas of Noakhali. Relief assistance is being reached through government and private initiatives.

Laxmipur Deputy Commissioner Suraiya Jahan said, 'We have also been in touch with the Civil Surgeon. He is working to ensure that our healthcare services continue. There are 66 medical teams in this regard. We are sharing the allocation we got from the government to the UNOs. UNO is buying rice and dry food and distributing them in different places.'

Meanwhile, apart from government listed shelters in 9 upazilas of Noakhali, squatters have taken up residence in various high-rise buildings in the town and village. There is also insufficient supply of medicine, water and food. However, the people staying in shelters at the government and private levels are getting some facilities.

Bangladesh /OF