The water levels of the Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers have fallen below the danger mark, and floodwaters are gradually receding across Bandarban, bringing relief after days of devastating flooding.
However, thousands of affected families are now struggling to rebuild their lives as homes remain filled with mud, food stocks have been destroyed, and shortages of safe drinking water persist.
Apu Dev, executive engineer of the Bangladesh Water Development Board in Bandarban, said that as of 9:00am today, the Sangu River was flowing at 12.80 metres and the Matamuhuri River at 11.16 metres, both below the danger level.
"If rainfall does not increase, the water levels are expected to continue falling," he said.
Sanatan Kumar Mondal, acting officer of the district Meteorological Department, said Bandarban recorded 113 millimetres of rainfall in the 24 hours until 9:00am, which qualifies as very heavy rainfall.
"However, rainfall has decreased in the upstream areas, allowing river levels to recede," he added.
Residents who remained stranded for five days have started returning home, only to find houses and shops coated in thick mud, with furniture, food supplies and household belongings damaged.
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Photo: Star
"The water has gone, but our house is full of mud. We've been cleaning since morning, and it will probably take the whole day to finish," said Monghla Marma, a resident of the area.
Md Jasim Uddin, a resident of Memberpara in Bandarban municipality, said, "We remained stranded for five days during the flood. The water started receding yesterday afternoon. The suffering was immense then, but now it feels even worse. Mud and filth are everywhere. It will take many days to clean and repair our homes."
Meanwhile, the district administration, political parties, social organisations and private individuals have continued relief operations.
A retired major named Wongting distributed food, drinking water and other emergency supplies among around 160 flood-affected families in Bandarban Sadar upazila after reading a Star report highlighting the plight of flood victims.
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Retired Major Wongting distributed food and emergency supplies among around 160 flood-affected families in Bandarban Sadar upazila. Photo: Star
"Standing beside people during disasters is our social responsibility," Wongting said, adding that he decided to come forward after reading the report and would continue supporting affected families.
Bandarban Deputy Commissioner Md Saniul Ferdous said many residents had started returning to their homes as the floodwaters receded, but many affected families were still facing food shortages.
"The district administration is continuing to provide cooked meals, dry food, and safe drinking water to those in need," he said.
Although the floodwaters have receded, rehabilitation, restoration of homes and livelihoods, access to safe drinking water, and healthcare remain the immediate priorities for thousands of affected families.
