Comilla, August 27 — All 14 upazilas of Comilla have been severely affected by floods, with the situation worsening in several areas. While floodwaters have slightly receded in Burichong upazila, new areas in Brahmanpara, Laksam, and Manoharganj upazilas have been inundated. The water level of the Gomti River is currently flowing 42 centimeters above the danger level.

The Dakatiya River, which flows between Laksam and Manoharganj, has risen significantly, leading to dam breaches in various locations. As a result, new areas in these two upazilas have been flooded, affecting nearly one million people in the district.

A significant breach of about 350 feet has occurred in the Gomti River barrage in Burburiya. The breakages in the Gomti and Salda river dams have allowed upstream waters to inundate localities in Burichong and Brahmanpara upazilas. Most roads in the villages are submerged under four to five feet of water, making boats or banana rafts the only viable means of transportation.

Rescue operations are in full swing in the flood-affected villages, led by the army and supported by helicopters providing relief. Various voluntary organizations, including anti-discrimination student groups, the fire service, the Red Crescent, upazila administrations, police, and public representatives, are actively involved in relief efforts. They are providing essential supplies such as dry food, khichuri, medical supplies, and water purification tablets to the flood victims.

In Brahmanpara upazila, about 50,000 people have taken shelter in various safe havens, while many others are enduring life in waterlogged conditions. All 84 villages across eight unions in the upazila have been submerged by floodwaters.

The flood situation has further deteriorated in Laksam and Manoharganj due to the influx of water from upstream India. The lack of adequate relief supplies has caused significant distress among the affected communities, especially in the remote areas of Manoharganj. Over 400,000 people are stranded in these two upazilas, with around 29,000 people taking refuge in 188 shelters.

There have been complaints about insufficient aid reaching the remote villages in Comilla. While adequate relief has been provided to areas accessible by road, newly flooded villages have not received much assistance. The challenging conditions and limited transportation options, such as boats or rafts, are cited as reasons for this disparity in aid distribution.