Staff Reporter :
A devastating flood has swept through the north-eastern and eastern regions of the country, leaving tens of thousands of people stranded.
Triggered by torrential rain and sudden torrents from the Indian side, the floodwaters have inundated vast areas. Thus far, eight districts—Sunamganj, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Feni, Chattogram, Noakhali, Cumilla, and Khagrachhari—have been severely affected, with the flood expected to spread further.
The situation is deteriorating rapidly, inundating new areas and inflicting severe damage. Feni, Parshuram, Fulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya Upazilas have been particularly hard-hit, with residents enduring extreme hardship, and significant crop losses reported.
The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has indicated that major rivers in the north-eastern and eastern regions are on a rising trend. Meteorological organisations forecast medium to heavy rainfall over the south-eastern and eastern regions and adjacent upstream areas within the next 24 hours.
Consequently, the water levels of the Muhuri, Feni, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri, and Gumti rivers are expected to remain steady overall.
In the next 24 hours, the water levels of the Muhuri and Halda rivers in the Feni and Chattogram districts may rise above the danger level, leading to potential flooding in low-lying areas. Similarly, the Gumti River in the Cumilla district may also surpass the danger level, creating a short-term flood situation in adjacent low-lying areas.
Rescue Operations Underway
In response to the worsening flood, the Bangladesh Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), and other agencies have commenced operations in the most severely affected areas.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Bangladesh Army personnel have been dispatched to assist flood victims in Parshuram and Phulgazi Upazilas of Feni. Rescue efforts involve the use of speedboats and helicopters.
In the hill district of Khagrachhari, continuous rainfall has led to flooding due to hill torrents. The Khagrachhari-Sajek road has been submerged, cutting off road communication with Sajek.
As a result, 250 tourists remain stranded. On Tuesday afternoon, the Kabakhali section of the Khagrachhari-Sajek road in Dighinala Upazila was submerged.
Devastation in Chhagalnaiya and Fulgazi
Floodwaters submerged much of Chhagalnaiya on Tuesday night, inundating rural roads, crops, and fish ponds. The area has been severely impacted, cutting off essential access and severely affecting livelihoods.
In Fulgazi, severe flooding has stranded thousands across six unions, with the Feni-Bilonia highway submerged, severing road connections. Rivers such as the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia have risen above danger levels, marking the third flood in the area since 2nd July.
In Parshuram, nearly 95 per cent of the area, including the municipality and three unions, is underwater. Rescue efforts have saved 100 people, with dry food and rice being distributed. The BGB is assisting affected villagers.
**Rising Water Levels in Cumilla**
Continuous rainfall and floodwaters have caused the Gomti River in Cumilla to swell, leading to fears of further flooding. Approximately four thousand hectares of cropland have already been submerged.
Despite the river’s water level being below the danger mark this morning, local residents fear it will soon overflow its banks.