A Correspondent:
Chattogram: Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu yesterday said the govern-ment is attaching the highest priority to post-flood rehabilitation and is working in a coordinated manner to restore normalcy in the flood-hit districts.
Speaking at a discussion meeting at the Chattogram Circuit House conference room on Tuesday night, Dulu said the recent flash floods triggered by unusually heavy rainfall caused widespread damage to public life, agriculture and infrastructure in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati and Kha-grachhari.
He noted that around 412 millimeters of rainfall in a single day in the Chattogram region was an excep-tional weather event, which led to severe flash flooding.
The minister praised the coordinated efforts of the local administration, law enforcement agencies, the Bangladesh Army, public representatives and volunteers in responding to the disaster.
He said the government has placed special emphasis on reviving the agriculture sector during post-flood rehabilitation, adding that the issue received priority at an inter-ministerial meeting led by the Ministry of Local Government.
Highlighting public health concerns, Dulu warned of the risk of water-borne diseases after floodwaters recede. He said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already dispatched essential medicines, safe drinking water, water purification tablets and medical supplies for treating diarrhoea and other wa-ter-borne illnesses to the affected areas.
He added that local administrations have been instructed to regularly report on health service prepared-ness to ensure a prompt response to any outbreak.
Chattogram City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain, MP Sayed Al Noman, Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah and Chattogram Press Club President Zahidul Karim Kochi, among others, addressed the meeting. Heads of various government departments were also present.
