Staff Reporter :
Heavy monsoon rainfall and upstream water from India have triggered severe flooding and waterlogging across at least four districts of Bangladesh-Feni, Noakhali, Khagrachari, and Satkhira-leaving millions affected.
The Interim Government, Bangladesh Army and local administrations have mobilised emergency rescue and relief efforts as the situation continues to escalate.
In Feni’s Parshuram, Phulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya upazilas, floodwaters surged into residential areas after 21 breaches occurred in the flood control embankments along the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers.
The floods, caused by relentless rainfall and rising water levels in rivers, have submerged homes and roads, displacing over 100,000 people.
The Bangladesh Army joined the rescue operations on Thursday afternoon, deploying speedboats to evacuate trapped residents and distribute emergency supplies.
Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam confirmed that Tk 17.5 lakh has been allocated for relief in six upazilas.
Residents expressed frustration over recurring disasters and alleged negligence by the Water Development Board.
“We suffered just like this last year. Nothing ever changes,” said one affected resident.
At the national level, the Advisory Council on Thursday convened to discuss urgent flood control measures.
Key initiatives include finalising designs for the Musapur Regulator and Bamni Closure and securing World Bank funding for embankment repairs and water infrastructure restoration.
In Noakhali, brief relief was shattered as rain resumed, deepening the crisis for those already marooned. As of Thursday morning, 215 millimeters of rain had fallen in 48 hours.
Water-logging has severely disrupted life in Noakhali Sadar, Senbagh, Begumganj, Kabirhat, Companiganj, and Subarnachar upazilas, submerging streets and government offices in Maijdee town. Poor drainage compounded the suffering, with water backing up from drains into roads.
Local residents described unbearable conditions. “Every time it rains, fear grips us,” said one. “There’s no proper drainage system; some drains don’t even have an outlet.”
The Companiganj UNO confirmed that dry food is being distributed, and water-draining efforts are underway.
In Khagrachari’s Dighinala upazila, continuous rainfall and a sudden rise in the Maini River’s water level left multiple villages-like Chhoto Merung, Sobhanpur, and Kabakhali-flooded. The Dighinala-Langadu road remains cut off due to flooding near a vital steel bridge.
About 34 families have taken shelter in a local primary school, where dry food and basic support are being provided. Locals like Zaynab Begum and Monowara Begum reported the destruction of homes and loss of livestock.
Though rain stopped Wednesday night, causing the Chengi River to recede slightly, vast low-lying areas remain waterlogged. Local union chairpersons and officials have pledged continued aid and rapid response.
Satkhira district is battling widespread water-logging, with hundreds of educational institutions under knee-to-waist-deep water. Schools, colleges, and madrasas in both urban and rural areas are struggling to conduct ongoing HSC and half-yearly exams.
Students are attending exams in wet clothes, often crossing flooded grounds on bamboo rafts or barefoot.
“Every year it’s the same story. There’s no permanent drainage solution,” lamented a teacher from Satkhira Government College.
UNO Shoaib Ahmad and District Commissioner Mostak Ahmed acknowledged the dire situation, emphasising the need for community-involved embankment construction and canal excavation to prevent future crises.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, local administrations, and the Bangladesh Army are actively involved in rescue and relief efforts across the affected regions.
Nationally, discussions are ongoing to implement long-term solutions, including better drainage systems, embankment reinforcement, and canal restoration.
With more rain forecasted in some areas, the threat of further flooding remains. Authorities urge residents in flood-prone zones to remain alert and cooperate with relief agencies.
As climate challenges intensify, experts and citizens alike are calling for urgent structural reforms to prevent the annual recurrence of these devastating floods.
