Flood-hit people in dire straits at Gopalganj

Incessant rain for the last two days has submerged low lying areas of Kotaliparha Upazila in Gopalganj under flash floods, resulting in utter misery for thousands of people.

A total of 12 unions including some low-lying lands of the municipality have reportedly gone underwater.

A total of 50,000 people have been marooned in the Upazila where most of the streets and establishments were inundated on Tuesday.

According to Kolabarhi Union Parishad chairman Micheal Ojha, Chakpukuria, Ramnagar, Boikanthapur, Ruthiarparh, Nolua and Kumria villages under the union have been inundated.

Around 5,000 people living in these villages have been marooned, he said.

Suniti Bala, a resident of Ramnagar who lost her homestead in the flood, said: “We have built a platform with bamboo and hyacinths on which we are currently staying along with our cattle. Cooking and all other activities are done there.”

Peril on the inhabitants intensified with the streets and different establishments including educational institutions going underwater.

Kushola Union Parishad Chairman Kamrul Islam Badal said Dhorhar, Baniari, Jamula, Tilbarhi and Chourokhuli villages have been inundated.

Oliullah Hawlader, a resident of Pinjuri Union's Purnoboti village, lost six of his fish enclosures incurring a loss of Tk 2 million.”

“I took loans from bank and other sources to set up the fish enclosures. Now I have no idea how to repay them,” Oliullah said in despair.

Upazila Executive Officer Jilal Hossain told bdnews24.com: “The situation was discussed with high officials. We will help out the residents of the flood-hit areas to our possible extent.”