The victims of Saint Martin, the only coral island in the country, could not find shelter even for three days after the strong cyclone Mokha. Electricity connection could not be started due to damaged solar panels and broken line wires. Salt water inundation has led to fresh water shortages in beach areas in the northern and western parts of the island. Sufficient relief has not yet reached the island. Residents of the destroyed houses are spending inhuman time by hanging triples under the open sky. Union Health Complex does not provide any services other than first aid. The distressed people demanded a quick end to this situation and food supply. Similarly, the same situation prevails among thousands of affected people in three wards of Shahpari Island in Sabrang, another coastal union of the upazila. Due to the force of the wind, more than 20 electric poles were uprooted and electricity connection was not started even here for three days. The victims are busy removing uprooted trees. As ground communication became easier, NGOs came forward. As a result, no one complains about food shortage here. Due to the intensity of the cyclone, several newly built houses of Mujibvarsh have also been destroyed in Hoikang Minabazar area of Teknaf. The affected people are seeking the assistance of the administration to rebuild the destroyed and damaged houses.
The district administration says that the work of preparing the list of victims will be completed soon and cooperation will be provided. According to information, on May 14, Cyclone Mokha crossed Cox’s Bazar and hit the Sittwe area of Myanmar. While crossing the coast of Bangladesh, Teknaf stormed Shahpari Island and St. Martin, the only coral-rich island in Sabrang Union. About one and a half thousand families were affected. But even after three days, the locals claimed that sufficient support did not reach the island. However, dry food is being distributed by the Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force, the press release said. Saddam Hossain, a resident of Ward No. 5 of St. Martin’s Union, said that the people affected by Mokha have made some kind of shelter with triple. Many people are trying to stand by themselves by removing fallen trees on their houses. Adequate official relief has not yet reached the island. But many organizations are cooperating with dry food. He also said that there is a shortage of drinking water in the villages near the beach area of the island. Salinity has occurred in most of the tubewells. The islanders have to be satisfied with basic services as government doctors are not in the health complex.
Chairman of Saint Martin Union Parishad Mujibur Rahman said that dry food is being given by district administration, Coast Guard, BGB and Navy. So far, about 1,250 damaged and partially damaged families have been listed. The district administration is providing tin for them. These construction materials will arrive in St. Martin today. Chairman Mujib denied the water shortage despite admitting that there was a power cut. Various non-governmental organizations have extended their hand to help the victims as land communication has become easier in Shahpari Island in Sabrang, another coastal union of Teknaf. However, the local representatives claimed that no government relief has yet arrived. Like the island of St. Martin, there is also a power outage.
Abdul Mannan, ward number 7 member of Sabrang Union, said that about one and a half thousand houses in ward number 7, 8 and 9 have been completely destroyed. About 1500 more houses have been partially damaged. We have not received any government relief yet. However, the private organization has given support to 180 families by 5,500 taka. Damaged houses cannot be repaired due to lack of tin or cooperation from the government. Tins and other assistance have become more essential for affected families than dry food. Electricity is still disconnected due to uprooted electric poles.
Additional District Commissioner (General) Vibhishan Kanti Das, responsible officer in the control room built by the district administration, said that the work of preparing the list of victims is underway. The complete list has not arrived yet. Still, 400 bun tins, 3,000 cash per house have been allotted to be distributed to the victims in St. Martin. It is expected to reach the island on Wednesday. Adequate food provision is being made for the victims. Assistance will be given to all those affected.
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