Partial Electricity Restoration in Flood-Hit Feni Brings Limited Relief

Partial electricity has been restored in Feni, Bangladesh, as floodwaters recede. However, communication disruptions continue. While some areas in Feni city have power, rural parts still await assistance. Authorities and volunteers face challenges due to slow recovery and spotty networks, impacting rescue and relief efforts.

Electricity in Feni, Bangladesh, has been partially restored as floodwaters have notably receded, according to the Dhaka Tribune. However, issues with mobile networks and internet connectivity persist, causing ongoing disruptions in the area as of Friday.

Residents report that water has fully drained from Mohipal Road, and electricity has been restored in parts of Feni city, including the DC Office and its surrounding areas. Despite this, rural regions of the district still await fresh water and dry rations, even as trucks with supplies and rescue equipment start to enter the city.

Feni city resident Mohammad Riazul Hasan confirmed that water levels in the municipality area have dropped significantly. However, he noted that other areas remain inundated, with overflowing canals reported in downstream Sonagazi.

Foot fungus has afflicted rescue volunteers due to prolonged water exposure. Dhaka Tribune cited volunteer Abdullah Al Mamun, who stated, "We tried to reach Sonagazi on Friday but were unsuccessful due to the lack of speedboats." He added that load shedding and erratic mobile networks have further complicated rescue operations, despite a 5-6 inch reduction in water levels in some parts.

Bangladesh Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday called for collective efforts to tackle health and food risks as floodwaters continue to recede, per the Dhaka Tribune. On August 22, floods in Chittagong worsened, affecting nine upazilas and causing severe distress for 45,916 families, equating to 248,050 individuals.

Chittagong District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Saifulah Majumder reported that 800 tons of rice have been allocated for disaster relief, with 200 tons already distributed across affected regions. Between August 19-21, more than 350,000 people were stranded in Feni city due to breaches that allowed floodwaters to inundate the city.

(With inputs from agencies.)