Feni floods devastate over 29,000 farmers
Staff Reporter :
The recent floods in Feni triggered by the breaches of embankments have wreaked havoc in the paddy fields and other crops, leaving over 29,000 farmers in a dire situation to suffer.
According to the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE), water from the overflowing Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers inundated vast swathes of farmland, destroying crops and livelihoods.
The floods, which began after heavy rainfall on July 7 and subsequent embankment collapses on July 8, submerged 137 villages across five upazilas-Fulgazi, Parshuram, Chhagalnaiya, Feni Sadar, and Daganbhuiyan. Roads, power connections, and transportation came to a halt as villages sank underwater.
The DAE said that crop damage in the district amounts to Tk 38.07 crore, resulting in the loss of nearly 10,000 metric tonnes of potential food grain production. Crops affected include Aus paddy, Aman seedbeds, summer vegetables, ginger, and chilies.
Over 1,322 hectares of Aman seedbeds were sown, but floodwaters submerged 694 hectares, with 197 hectares completely rotting.
Farmers suffered losses exceeding Tk 2.24 crore just from seedbeds-affecting around 17,000 farmers.
In addition, 557 hectares of summer vegetables went underwater. Of this, 327 hectares were completely destroyed, impacting 7,500 farmers with losses estimated at Tk 27.85 crore. Aus paddy cultivated on 346 hectares was also submerged, causing losses of nearly Tk 6 crore for 3,500 farmers.
Beyond crops, the floods damaged livestock and aquaculture. Over 15,000 ducks and chickens perished, and around Tk 8 crore worth of fish and fish fry were washed away from 2,500 ponds. Hundreds of homes collapsed or floated away.
Emergency repair work is underway at 41 breach points of the flood control embankments. However, many areas remain waterlogged, and public suffering continues, with several villages still isolated due to damaged roads.
Feni’s Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam stated that reports of damage have been submitted to higher authorities. Plans for rehabilitation and government aid will be initiated following central directives.
Water Development Board engineer Akhtar Hossain Mojumdar added that although water levels have started to fall, repairs are ongoing. With dry weather, embankments are expected to be restored soon.
Farmers like Abdus Samad and Mostafa Mia expressed deep despair, citing complete crop loss and inadequate government aid.
“We’re unsure how we’ll repay loans,” Samad said to the media, standing in the ruins of his flooded home. As the region waits for recovery, officials warn that vegetable prices have already surged in local markets due to supply shortages.