Thousands of Aila victims remain under open sky
August 19, 2009
Md Jamal Uddin, back from Satkhira — Thousands of people of the Gabura union under Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira remain under the open sky following the devastations of cyclone Aila.
They are experiencing manifold problems like safe water, shelter, food, clothes and health.
Relief activities, water supply and health care support have been suspended after a few weeks, local people said.
People like gypsy community are living in sub human condition in small makeshift shelters on both sides of the embankment of the Khelpetua River. The size of each such shelter varies between 5- 6 feet only.
A family of five to six have to huddle together in such houses in unhygienic condition.
Cyclone Aila hit the country on May 25 in 11 coastal districts triggering tidal surges and flooding that forced people to migrate to safe shelters.
Standing crops and cattle heads were swept away by the cyclone rendering many people of the area as paupers. The cyclone also caused severe damage to houses, infrastructures, trees and other resources.
At least 20,297 houses were damaged and 58,450 domestic animals killed, according to the disaster management ministry. At least 90 percent of shrimp enclosures and flood control dams in Khulna and Bagerhat districts were washed away.
Nearly 200 people were killed in the cyclone that ripped through the country while millions remained marooned by floodwater.
The people of the Gabura union of Satkhira Districts were badly affected by Aila , which forced them to live near cyclone center and embankment leaving behind their belongings.
The people of Padmapukur, Burigoalini, Munshiganj and Kaikhali unions of Shyamnagar upazila of the districts narrated the same stories of miseries. They are struggling with little or no food or safe water supply.
The people of the Gabura union use boat as the main mode of transport as all roads have been damaged. According to the LGRD department, around 400 km flood control embankment and 75 km roads of LGED have been damaged.
Besides, educational institutions, used as cyclone center, have been kept shut since the cyclone hit the areas.
People in hundreds still remain marooned in Gabura union and its adjoining areas.
As some visiting journalists showed interest to visit the badly affected areas, Saira Banu, a widow, said ” Do not go inside, you will die under water”
Safe water is the main problem of the area because ponds were filled with saline water.
Only one pond called ‘Dristi Nandan Pukur’ has been made fit for use of water for almost 3,4000 people. After the Aila hit, some organizations supplied safe water for a few days.
Government relief activities have been suspended for reasons best known to the authorities. Ayub Ali of Gabura Union said he got relief goods twice since the cyclone for participation in repair work of the embankment.
He also narrated irregularities regarding distribution of relief goods among the affected families.
Dilip Kumar Banik, Upazila Nirbahi Officer of Shyamnagar upazila, said the government distributed sufficient quantity of relief materials among the victims. About 4450 tonnes of relief materials were allocated for Gabura union, he said.
He said the government disbursed Tk 3000 for each family for rehabilitation. However, it is not enough compared to the damage caused by the cyclone, he said.
“It is a disaster prone area where embankment is more important to protect the people’s interest,” Banik said adding “We are going to start repair work of the bank soon, so that people can return to normal life.”
Source: nation.ittefaq.com
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