Feni, Bangladesh – Wading through chest-high floodwaters, hundreds of people in Feni, Bangladesh, are struggling to find safety while holding their belongings above water. The city, with a population of nearly 1.5 million, has been severely impacted by one of the country’s worst floods in recent memory. Since Wednesday night, 11 districts in Bangladesh have been inundated, with a large part of Feni submerged.
Bangladesh heavily relies on its rivers and waterways for fishing and agriculture, making the country prone to flooding and cyclones. However, the current flood has caught many by surprise, with locals blaming India for releasing water from the Dumbur dam in neighboring Tripura state without warning.
Amid the chaos, volunteer rescue efforts are underway, with the army and navy mobilized to coordinate relief operations. People from all over the country, including Dhaka, are arriving to assist in rescue missions and provide aid to those affected by the floods.
As the situation escalates, tensions rise between Bangladesh and India over the source of the floodwater. While India claims the flooding is primarily due to natural factors, Bangladesh accuses India of inhumanity for releasing water from the dam without warning.
The diplomatic dispute adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing rescue operations, where every mission poses significant logistical challenges. With roads cut off and communication lines down, accessing the most affected areas in Feni has become increasingly difficult for rescue teams and volunteers.
The heartbreaking stories of families separated by the floodwaters highlight the urgency of the situation. From pregnant women stranded on rooftops to sick newborn babies in need of medical attention, the need for assistance is paramount in Feni and its surroundings.
Despite the challenges, volunteers and rescue workers continue their relentless efforts to reach those in need and bring them to safety. As darkness falls, the hope remains that aid will arrive in time and that the floodwaters will eventually recede, allowing the people of Feni to begin rebuilding their lives.