Floodwaters have started receding across Cox’s Bazar after rainfall eased significantly over the past two days following eight consecutive days of heavy downpours. Water levels in the district’s two major rivers — the Matamuhuri and the Bakkhali — are also returning to normal, offering some relief to thousands of flood-affected residents.

However, the suffering is far from over as many families returning to their homes are finding extensive damage caused by the flood. Household furniture, food grains, clothing, important documents and other essential belongings have been destroyed, while many affected communities say they are yet to receive adequate relief assistance.

Nur Mohammad, a resident of Lakkhyarchar in Chakaria upazila, said his family had fled after floodwater rose to neck level inside their home.

We returned after three days and found everything destroyed. Our furniture, important documents, rice and paddy were soaked. We have no idea how to start over,” he said.

Another flood victim, Mohammad Saiful, said he along with his family took shelter at a cyclone centre. “After four days, we came back and found that almost everything had been ruined. We have not received any assistance from either the government or private organisations.”

meteorologist at Cox’s Bazar Meteorological Office, said no rainfall was recorded between 3:00pm yesterday and 3:00pm today.

There is no forecast of prolonged heavy rainfall for now. Some rain may occur on Thursday or Friday, but it is unlikely to continue for several days,” he said.

According to the district administration’s latest flood situation report dated July 13, 70 of the district’s 71 unions, along with all four municipalities, have been affected by the flooding. Nearly 49 percent of the district’s land area was inundated.

The floods have claimed 30 lives so far, including a significant number of women and children. Of the total fatalities, 13 were Rohingya refugees, while one person remains missing.

The disaster damaged 1,613 houses and 30 educational institutions. It also affected around 1,624km of earthen roads, 201 kilometres of paved roads, 220km of HBB (unpaved roadway surfaced with bricks) roads, and damaged 79 bridges and culverts.

The district administration said it has distributed 7,790 packets of dry food and 298 metric tonnes of rice among affected people.

Officials estimate that the district still requires around 57,000 additional packets of dry food, Tk 2.49 crore in emergency funds, 530 metric tonnes of rice, 4,883 bundles of corrugated sheets, and 95,000 water purification tablets to meet the overall relief demand.

Many residents in remote flood-hit areas alleged that relief has yet to reach them. District officials, however, said government assistance would be distributed gradually to all affected families.