Rangamati, Aug 26 (V7N) - The Kaptai Lake in Rangamati is overflowing due to water coming from upstream. The floodwaters have already trapped around 30,000 people in various sub-districts in the lower regions of Rangamati. Approximately 6,000 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged. According to sources from the agricultural department, around 10,000 small-scale farmers in Rangamati have been severely affected. The damage caused by the submerged agricultural land is estimated to be around 20 million Taka, according to relevant authorities. If government aid is not provided to the affected farmers, they will face severe hardship in the future.

Residents of Rangamati, who rely on agriculture, fishing, and timber business for their livelihood, are currently facing restrictions on fishing and timber trading due to government bans. The increase in Kaptai Lake's water levels, which has submerged agricultural lands, suggests that the local small-scale farmers will face significant food and financial shortages in the future.

Many people in the remote areas are still not receiving necessary assistance, according to local sources. Due to political instability, local representatives and political party activists are unable to deliver aid to these remote areas.

The maximum capacity of Kaptai Lake is 109 feet. As of Monday afternoon, the water level was reported to be 108.84 feet above sea level. With such conditions, thousands of houses in Rangamati have been submerged. The situation may worsen if the lake’s water level continues to rise.

Several areas along the banks of Kaptai Lake, including Rasulpur, Shantinagar, Assamsthi, Brahmantila, Rangapani, Hospital area, Public Health, Reserve Bazaar, Tablachhari, and Old Bastis in Rangamati city, have been flooded. Local residents claim that the distress will increase if the lake's water level is not reduced.

Residents of the Public Health area in Rangamati city, including Mollas and others, have reported that water has entered their homes over the past few days. Roads are submerged, making it difficult for children to go to school. They are experiencing severe difficulties.

12 Unions in 4 Upazilas Affected: Flooding from Kaptai Lake has affected the low-lying areas of 12 unions in the upazilas of Baghaichhari, Langadu, Barkal, and Juraichhari. The flooding has caused extensive damage to homes, roads, educational institutions, and agricultural land.

Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Deputy Director of the Rangamati Agricultural Department, has stated that if the Kaptai Lake water level had been maintained below 100 MSL, particularly between 96 and 98, the local farmers would not have been so adversely affected. However, with the current rising water levels, the farmers are facing substantial losses. Reducing the lake's water level as soon as possible would help prevent further damage to the farmers.

Meanwhile, the manager of the Rangamati Hydro-Power Plant has reported that all 16 sluice gates of Kaptai Hydro-Power Plant are operational, releasing water into the Karnafuli River at a rate of 6 inches. As of Monday (August 26), the water level in Kaptai Lake was 108.84 feet above sea level.

Additionally, local military, BGB, and activists from BNP, Jamaat, and anti-discrimination student movements are distributing relief supplies to displaced people in the various low-lying areas of the hills to the best of their abilities.

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