United News of Bangladesh

At least 51 people were killed and 39 others injured in floods, hill runoff and landslides that have affected seven districts, according to the Disaster Management and Relief Ministry. The flood-affected districts are Khagrachhari, Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox's Bazar, Chattogram, Moulvibazar and Habiganj. Among the fatalities, Cox's Bazar recorded the highest number with 28 deaths, followed by Chattogram with 13, Bandarban six, Rangamati three and Moulvibazar one. Of the 39 injured, 24 were reported in Cox's Bazar, 12 in Chattogram, two in Bandarban and one in Khagrachhari. The flood-hit areas included 59 upazilas , 368 unions and 12 municipalities, said the ministry in its updated report. To accommodate displaced people, authorities have opened 1,049 shelter centres across the affected districts. A total of 38,422 people have taken refuge at these shelters as relief and emergency response operations continue in the flood-hit areas. The government is continuing relief distribution and other emergency assistance for people affected by the floods, hill runoff and landslides. The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has allocated Tk 4,60 crore in cash and 8,950 metric tonnes of rice for all 64 districts across the country since July 7 to support people affected by floods and other disasters. According to a ministry statement issued on Sunday, the humanitarian assistance has been provided in phases to strengthen relief operations in disaster-hit areas. The ministry on Sunday also announced fresh allocations for Chattogram and Rangamati. Chattogram received an additional Tk 25 lakh and 500 metric tonnes of rice, while Rangamati was allocated Tk 500,000 and 100 metric tonnes of rice. Besides, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) has been deployed in 11 flood-affected districts across the country to assist flood victims. BGB Headquarters Public Relations Officer Shariful Islam on Sunday said BGB personnel are carrying out rescue operations in coordination with local administrations in flood-hit Bandarban, Cox’s Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Chattogram, Feni, Sylhet, Habiganj, Sunamganj, Netrokona and Jamalpur districts. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday directed all relevant agencies and field-level administration to remain on maximum alert and work in close coordination to protect lives and property affected by widespread waterlogging caused by heavy rainfall, and ensure prompt relief distribution and healthcare services. The directive came during a virtual meeting from the Prime Minister's Office with divisional commissioners, deputy inspectors general (DIGs) of police, deputy commissioners (DCs), superintendents of police (SPs), civil surgeons and other field-level officials from all eight divisions. During the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister on the latest waterlogging situation in their respective areas, including the extent of damage, the condition of shelter centres, rescue operations, relief distribution and healthcare services. UNB Chattogram correspondent reports: The overall flood situation in parts of Chattogram showed signs of improvement on Sunday following a reduction in rainfall and train services on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route resumed after remaining suspended for five days. The Tourist Express left Chattogram Railway Station for Cox’s Bazar at noon after floodwaters receded from the railway tracks, restoring rail connectivity on the route, according to railway sources. Although flood situation improved slightly, vast areas of Satkania, Lohagara, Chandanaish, Anwara and Banshkhali upazilas remain inundated, leaving hundreds of thousands of people stranded.

At least 36 people have been killed in landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains in the western Indian state of Maharashtra, officials said on Friday. All the deaths occurred in three landslides in the state's Raigad district, some 70 kms from capital Mumbai, on Thursday, where several houses were swept away following heavy rains and consequent flooding. "While 32 people died in Taliye village, four people were killed in Mahad city. Rescue operations are still on," Raigad district collector Nidhi Chaudhary told the media. In the neighbouring rain-hit Satara district, some 22 people are feared trapped at two different locations. "Choppers have been pressed into action to ferry people to safer locations," Satara's police chief Ajay Kumar Bansal said. Read: 2 Rohingyas killed in landslide at Rohingya camps Local TV channels beamed footage of live rescue operations in both the districts. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to offer condolences to the families of the deceased. "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Raigad, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery." "The situation in Maharashtra due to heavy rains is being closely monitored and assistance is being provided to the affected," the PM added. Maharashtra is experiencing the heaviest July rains in four decades. Read: Indonesia landslides death toll rises to 126, dozens missing Barely five-six days back, some 30 people were killed in house collapses triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Mumbai. The deaths occurred in the hilly Chembur area, a suburb, and in the neighbouring Vikhroli area. The Indian PM then announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. Building collapses are common in India, particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August. Poor construction quality is often blamed for such collapses.