The disastrous damage of Sylhet division’s recent flood has become evident as the water started receding also showing the challenge any recovery effort will face in the days ahead.
The death toll from the third flash flood of the year in Sylhet reached 82 till Monday morning (from May 17), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Claiming the casualties an ‘underestimate’, the locals say the toll may be much higher as many areas haven't even been accessed, where the authorities have no idea of casualties.
According to Sylhet District administration, around 22 lakh people from four lakh families are bearing the brunt of this terrible disaster while 80 percent of the area still remains under water as of Sunday.
“Part of Sylhet City Corporation, all the 13 upazilas and five municipalities and 94 unions were affected in the district. The exact number of people facing the damages will be 21,87,232 (21 lakh 87 thousand 232)of 4,16,819 families (4 lakh 16 thousand 819),” said Ahsanul Alam, Assistant Commissioner of District Administration.
He said 22,450 houses and 28,945 hectares of cropland have been damaged according to official estimation so far.
However, locals are claiming the damage is vaster and the recovery will be long.
