Staff Reporter :
Torrential rains and upstream hill runoff have triggered severe flooding across southeastern Bangladesh, affecting tens of thousands in Feni and Noakhali districts.
The situation, though gradually improving in some areas, remains critical as local authorities ramp up relief efforts and weather forecasts warn of further rain.
According to the National Disaster Response Coordination Center (NDRCC) under the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, floodwaters have left 6,950 families waterlogged in Feni, impacting approximately 29,700 people across five upazilas.
The situation was caused by the rapid rise of water levels in the Muhuri, Kuhua, and Silonia rivers, which overflowed and breached embankments at 36 points in Parshuram and Phulgazi upazilas.
A total of 137 villages were inundated: 44 in Parshuram, 67 in Phulgazi, 15 in Chhagalnaiya, 9 in Feni Sadar, and 2 in Daganbhuiyan.
However, 130 villages have since seen the waters recede, and the overall flood situation is gradually improving. The latest NDRCC update confirmed that all rivers in the district are currently flowing below danger levels.
Most displaced families have returned to their homes, but 88 families, comprising 365 individuals, remain in six relief centers: one in Parshuram, four in Phulgazi, and one in Daganbhuiyan.
To manage the crisis, the government has allocated Tk 2.35 million in cash, 160 tons of rice, and 2,200 packets of dry food for immediate relief. Aid efforts are concentrated in Phulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya. Additionally, 230 shelters have been prepared across the district: 99 in Fulgazi, 36 in Parshuram, 22 in Feni Sadar, 11 in Chhagalnaiya, and 62 in Daganbhuiyan.
Rescue operations are being assisted by 230 trained volunteers, equipped with life jackets (72), gumboots (16), and raincoats (39).
The Bangladesh Army has also joined efforts with ten fiber boats deployed in key areas. Emergency meetings of the Feni District Disaster Management Committee were held on July 8 and July 11, attended by officials from the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.
In Noakhali, continuous heavy rainfall and hill runoff have led to severe flooding and waterlogging, leaving approximately 90,403 people stranded and affecting nearly 35,000 families across six upazilas: Begumganj, Companiganj, Senbagh, Subarnachar, Kabirhat, and Sadar.
According to the District Relief and Rehabilitation Office, floodwaters have inundated 57 unions, leaving over 100 villages submerged.
Many families have sought shelter in schools, madrasas, and emergency relief centers. The flooding has caused partial damage to 57 homes, while one house in Subarnachar has been completely destroyed.
Local residents are grappling with an acute shortage of dry food, cooking supplies, and clean drinking water. Md. Selim, a resident of Kabirhat, said, “Our homes, kitchens, and ponds are underwater. Even after returning from shelters, people aren’t safe. Waterborne diseases are spreading.”
Farmer Nurul Haque from Subarnachar expressed despair over the loss of his crops: “My paddy fields are completely submerged. There’s waist-deep water inside our home. If it rains again, we’ll be ruined.”
Despite three dry days, intermittent drizzle on Monday worsened public anxiety. The Noakhali District Weather Office expects light monsoon rain to continue, but urges residents not to panic.
Relief Officer Md. Masudur Rahman reported that 1,023 people and 107 livestock have taken refuge in 27 centers. Fifty-one medical teams have been formed, with 29 already active. A preliminary damage report has been sent to the Ministry of Disaster Management.
Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Istiaque Ahmed confirmed that 7,260 hectares of cropland have been damaged, while fish ponds belonging to 40,000 fish farmers have been washed away.
The district administration has distributed 984 packets of dry food, 16 metric tons of rice, and Tk 600,000 in cash. An additional 1,820 packets of food, 484 metric tons of rice, and Tk 1.2 million in cash remain in reserve.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has warned of a low-pressure system over the North Bay and adjoining coastal regions. As a result, local cautionary signal No. 3 has been hoisted at Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Mongla, and Payra ports.
Due to a steep pressure gradient, squally weather is expected to affect coastal areas and offshore islands, and fishing boats and trawlers have been advised to remain close to shore and exercise caution.
The BMD also forecasts light to moderate rain or thundershowers with temporary gusty winds across most parts of the country.
Some areas may experience moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall, with both day and night temperatures expected to drop slightly.
Due to the depression, the capital and elsewhere witnessed drizzling almost all day, causing sufferings for people in the streets.
