By Mahtab Alam for TwoCircles.net from flood zone,
Sandalpur (Araria): Abdullah (38) and his family remained trapped in water for four days as the Kosi River has spread all over and his village Phulka Tola in Birpur subdivision in Supaul district almost submerged in the flood water.
But a big tragedy for the family was lying ahead and they didn’t know. When on August 29, 10 days after the flood hit the area, they tried to leave home and village still in water to a safer place, they lost their three children to the current of the flood water.
Abdullah and his wife Rahila Khatoon are now with their three children. They had six before flood. Now at a relief camp run by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind at Madrasa Islamia Noorul Huda, 20 kms from Araria, the family along with 535 flood victims is now waiting for water to recede. Most of the people in the camp are from villages in Birpur.
Abdullah & Rahila Khatoon in relief camp
We walked in water for some time, then we got a boat which took us to Ghurna, then we walked a few kilometers on foot till we got a van to Araria town, recalls Rahila with tears seemed to be dried on her face. They have been here in the camp since August 29.
The family is poor, has no land in the village, so lived on working in the field. The river has not only filled the village fields with water but also destroyed their home. They are worried about their future.
Everyone in the camp has their own story of misery and sorrow.
Meet Saleha Khatoon, a widow. With three children she anyhow could reach the town and then to the camp. She lived on begging in her village in Phulka Tola after her husband died some years back. She also has lost her home.
Saleha Khatoon with her children in relief camp
Similar is the story of Nayeema Khatoon. A young widow Khatoon (23) has also been living on begging. Her husband died three years ago. She also lost her home to the flood. Now with her three children she is living in the camp.
Nayeema Khatoon and her small kids
There are about 5,000 people in JIH-run 12 relief camps. Most have lost their homes and means of livelihood. To bring them to normal life will be a big task for the government. There becomes greater the role of NGOs and other organizations.
As the Eid is approaching, JIH is believed to be chalking out some short and long-term plans.
It is planning to give Eid kit to every flood victim in its camps. The kit will consist of essentials for Eid.
Besides, the organization is planning to build 1,000 homes and extend financial assistance to 2,000 people in their self-employment.
The JIH will send a team for detailed economic survey of the affected area after Eid.