Amidst the serene landscapes of Pirojpur, a tempestuous force known as Cyclone Remal has left a trail of destruction, disrupting the tranquil lives of its inhabitants. In its wake, communities are grappling with the aftermath, seeking refuge and assistance as they endeavor to rebuild shattered livelihoods.
The southern region of Pirojpur is currently facing the wrath of Cyclone Remal, with life severely disrupted. The intensity of Cyclone Remal, which began on Sunday afternoon, on Sunday, (May 26) has been decreasing since Monday afternoon, on Monday, (May 27) Due to the impact of the cyclone, continuous strong winds and heavy rainfall have caused water levels to rise by 7 to 8 feet in rivers and low-lying areas, leading to increasing water levels.
Concerned citizens fear that the damage caused by Cyclone Remal may be several times higher than that caused by Cyclone Sidr in 2007, due to the prolonged duration of its impact. People affected by the loss of crops, livestock, fish enclosures, gardens, and vegetable gardens are gathering in various places seeking assistance. Many are in search of help, with some taking shelter in makeshift arrangements.
Most affected by the disaster are the areas along the banks and midstream islands of the Balishwar River in the Mathbaria Upazila of Pirojpur, where flood-affected people are seeking refuge in various places. Following the issuance of a disaster warning on Sunday, hundreds of families sought shelter with their livestock and belongings in the relief centers. Crops, roads, fish enclosures, plantations, and electrical infrastructure have been destroyed, disrupting people's lives. Food, water, and electricity shortages have transformed the entire Mathbaria area into a disaster zone.
It is feared that waterborne diseases may increase in the aftermath of the floods. Nearly 200 families living on midstream islands in the Balishwar River, where the water level has risen by 7 to 8 feet compared to normal, have suffered significant losses, with homes flooded and crops destroyed.
Due to the impact of Cyclone Remal, the area near the confluence of the Jagi and Balishwar rivers, including Bhishakhali and other villages in Mathbaria, has been severely affected, with households suffering heavy losses due to flooding caused by the breach of makeshift embankments.
Mirukhali, a former chairman of the Mirukhali Union Parishad, who is also a freedom fighter, said that due to the breach of makeshift embankments, fish worth two lakh taka have been lost in his village.
Meanwhile, emergency relief efforts, including the distribution of dry food to flood-affected people in Mathbaria and other affected areas, have been undertaken by the local administration.
Nasima, a resident of Ward 6 of the Mathbaria Municipality, said that her house has been taken over by water, forcing her to seek shelter in others' homes.
Muhtalab Howladar, DM of the Mathbaria Rural Electrification Committee, said that the losses due to the cyclone could exceed Tk 10,25,000.
Moniruzzaman, an agricultural officer in Mathbaria, told Voice7 News that the total agricultural loss in Mathbaria is Tk 3,42,95,800. Nazrul Islam, Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) in Pirojpur, said that the total agricultural loss in Pirojpur District is Tk 88,21,37000.
He further stated that to recover the crops, farmers in Mathbaria will be provided with advice on field management, encouragement for seed production, distribution of coconut seedlings, and other assistance through various projects.
Abdul Kaiyum, the Upazila Executive Officer of Mathbaria, told Voice7 News that the administration will provide all possible assistance from the government to restore the normal lives of flood-affected people.
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