Comilla, August 28 — The water level of the Gomti River in Comilla has decreased and is now flowing below the danger level, providing some relief to areas like Burichong where floodwaters are beginning to recede. However, the situation remains dire in other parts of Comilla, particularly in Manoharganj upazila, where rising water levels from the Dakatiya River have exacerbated flooding.

In Manoharganj, known as a low-lying area, the water level continues to rise despite the reduction in upstream water levels. The ongoing increase in water from the Dakatiya River has resulted in the flooding of 236 villages across 11 unions. The floodwaters have submerged all land in the upazila, including potential burial grounds, creating severe challenges for the local population.

Residents of flood-affected areas in Manoharganj have sought refuge in all available shelters, including schools, colleges, and madrasas. However, these shelters are now filled beyond capacity. Many families have chosen to stay in their homes to protect their belongings, using raised platforms or cots to stay above the water. With all village roads underwater, boats have become the sole mode of transport in these areas.

Despite the receding water levels of the Gomti River, the flood situation in Comilla remains precarious due to breaches in river embankments. Water continues to flow into localities through a damaged section of the embankment in the Burburiya area of Burichong, causing continued flooding and hardship. The breach, which spans over 500 feet, has not been repaired, raising concerns about prolonged flooding in Burichong and Brahmanpara upazilas. Residents have called for urgent repairs to the embankment to prevent further water ingress.

According to Comilla District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Abed Ali, 14 of the district's 17 upazilas have been affected by the floods, with approximately 1.06 million people from 125 unions currently living in waterlogged conditions. "A total of 724 shelters have been opened to provide refuge to those stranded by the floods," he said, noting that relief efforts are ongoing to assist the affected population.

Khan Mohammad Waliuzzaman, the chief engineer of the Water Development Board in Comilla, confirmed that while the Gomti River is now flowing below the danger level, repairs to the damaged embankment cannot be undertaken immediately. "The breach is too large, and with water still flowing into localities, repairing the embankment is a significant challenge," Waliuzzaman explained.

As the floodwaters continue to inundate large parts of Comilla, young volunteers are tirelessly working to rescue people from submerged houses, and there are ongoing pleas for more relief supplies in remote, flood-hit areas. The situation remains critical, and the residents of Comilla are anxiously awaiting further assistance and the start of essential repairs to prevent future flooding.