Unprecedented rainfall and upstream water from India have triggered severe flooding in Feni district, submerging at least 30 villages and displacing hundreds of thousands. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Feni recorded 440 millimeters of rainfall in just 24 hours, the highest in recent memory.
The deluge caused the Muhuri, Silonia, and Kahua rivers to swell dangerously, breaching embankments at 16 different points, local officials confirmed. The force of the water proved too much for the fragile structures, which gave way in multiple locations across Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Sonagazi upazilas.
Entire communities are now underwater. In Jangalghona, Sahebnagar, Gadanagar, and Derpara of Fulgazi, homes were flooded within hours. In Sonagazi’s southern belt and Parshuram’s western region, residents fled to higher ground, school buildings, or makeshift shelters along roads.
Feni town itself was not spared. Main roads such as Shaheed Kaiser, Nazir, Rampur, and Hospital Mor are under knee- to waist-deep water. Power outages and communication breakdowns have added to the chaos.
The Water Development Board reported that the Muhuri River is flowing 113 centimeters above the danger mark, while the Silonia and Belonia rivers are also well over safe levels. Officials warn that if the rain continues, more embankments could give way, worsening the disaster.
Authorities have opened 131 emergency shelters across the three upazilas. Dry food and medical aid are being distributed, but logistics remain difficult due to the flooding. Relief efforts are being further hampered by strong currents and continued rainfall, according to the Disaster Management Department.
Local volunteers are working with authorities to reinforce vulnerable embankments using sandbags and geo-bags, but progress is slow. Many residents are expressing frustration, noting that the same embankments collapse every monsoon, and permanent solutions have yet to be implemented.
"We go through this every year," said Nurul Amin, a resident of Gadanagar. "The government repairs the same old weak points temporarily. We want a permanent embankment."
Meanwhile, many families remain stranded, some without access to shelter. Livestock, children, and elderly residents are being housed in open fields, waiting for assistance. There is a growing shortage of drinking water and food in remote areas.
The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain over the next 48 hours. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre has issued a special alert, warning that conditions may worsen if water levels do not recede soon.
The Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief has requested additional funds and is coordinating efforts to ensure emergency aid reaches all affected zones. Relief distribution is being prioritized in hard-hit areas such as Fulgazi and Parshuram.
Despite some improvement in weather as of Wednesday morning, experts say it may take several more days for water levels to return to normal. In the meantime, residents are being urged to remain alert and relocate to shelters if needed. The situation in Feni remains critical.
FP/Raj
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