MOULVIBAZAR, June 16 : The flood situation in five upazilas of the district worsened further on Saturday with water inundating new areas, leaving around 0.3 million people of several hundred villages marooned.
Locals said water entered new areas in Rajnagar, Kulaura, Kamalganj, Sadar and Sreemangal upazilas as the flood control dams along the Manu and Dhalai rivers collapsed in at least 22 points.
The new areas were inundated by gushing water that entered hrough the breaches of the flood control dam although the water level of the Manu river dropped on Saturday.
There was no eid joy for the stranded people who were suffering for lack of food, pure drinking water and sanitation. The affected people could not cook even necessary food let alone special dishes on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.
Many areas went under water in their entirety, leaving no place for holding Eid congregation, according to a report by UNB.
The flood caused by heavy downpour in Tripura of India for the few days also threatened the town protection embankment along the Manu river.
The local administration through loud speakers has asked the residents of the district town to remain alert.
Following the warning, many were seen removing their valuables elsewhere fearing flood.
Sources at the local office of Bangladesh Water Development Board said the Manu was flowing 159cm above the danger level at Chadnigaht of the district down, shedding 16cm.
However, the Khushira River was flowing 40cm above the red mark at Sherpur of Sadar upazila while the Dhalai 59cm above the danger level at Kamalganj.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Army has been engaged in the rescue work. A team visited the risky points of the town protection dam on Friday night.
Md Tofail Islam, deputy commissioner of the district, said army is working in three upazilas of the district to tackle the flood situation.
A total of 143 tonnes of rice have so far been allocated for the flood-affected people, he said, adding that Tk 1.80 lakh was also distributed among the victims.