Flood victims in utter misery amid acute food, drinking water crises

Millions of people affected by flash floods in the country’s eastern and southeastern parts are passing days in a miserable condition due to acute crises of food, drinking water and shelter.

The crisis of drinking water has intensified especially in Feni, Cumilla, Lakshmipur, and Noakhali, where people desperately sought drinking water, rather than food, whenever they saw rescue workers or volunteers, said sources.

People in the flood-hit areas in general were desperate for relief materials and ran towards any approaching boats or vehicles in hope of getting relief items.

The floodwater has been receding from Feni and Cumilla over the last couple of days, but the situation worsened in the downstream areas, including Noakhali.

Kamrul Hasan, secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, on Monday said at least 23 people died and more than 5.7 million were marooned in the flood.