Online Desk :  Around 20 lakh of people in 15 districts were affected by the ongoing flood caused by torrential rains and onrush of upstream water, said State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman. He said these while speaking at a press briefing held at the Secretariat in the capital on Saturday. Among the districts, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Netrakona, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Rangpur, Jamalpur, Gaibandha, Feni, Rangamati, Bogura, Kurigram, Sirajganj, Lalmonirhat and Cox’s Bazar are the worst flood-affected areas, he said.

He mentioned that the government has allocated a total of 8,700 tonnes of rice, Tk 3.10 crore in cash, 58,500 sacks of dry food, Tk 60 lakh for baby food and Tk 60 lakh for fodder for flood-hit districts. Flood affected people took refuge in 36,223 shelters, he added. According to the local administrations, no one died but 20 lakh people were affected  by the flood, said Mohibur.

Noting that there is a possibility of another spell of flood in the month of August or September, the minister said, “We are taking preparation as per the directives of the Prime Minister.” All necessary items were given to the local lawmakers, deputy commissioners and Upazila Nirbahi Officers as per their demand and there is no reason for lack of relief , he added. The minister is expected to visit the flood-hit areas in Tangail and Sirajganj on Sunday.