Chattogram floods kill over 1.12 lakh livestock and poultry; losses top Tk30 crore

Floods triggered by a week of heavy rainfall and upstream hill runoff have killed 1,12,827 livestock and poultry across five districts of Chattogram division, with total losses estimated at Tk30.15 crore, according to a preliminary government assessment.

The initial report, prepared by the Divisional Department of Livestock Services and released yesterday (12 July), said the dead animals include 46 cattle, 123 goats, 40 sheep, 1,11,098 chickens and 1,521 ducks. The financial loss from animal deaths alone has been estimated at Tk3.78 crore.

The report said livestock feed suffered extensive damage across 156 unions in 36 upazilas of the division.

A total of 18,468 tonnes of straw, grass and concentrated feed were destroyed, including 11,920 tonnes of straw worth Tk17.88 crore, 6,430 tonnes of grass valued at Tk6.86 crore and 118 tonnes of concentrated feed worth around Tk70.8 lakh.

Overall losses in the livestock feed sector have been estimated at Tk25.45 crore.

The floods also damaged 33 livestock offices, inundated 2,126 acres of grazing land and affected 830 animals in 65 farms. Farm-related losses have been estimated at around Tk72 lakh.

Chattogram district recorded the highest losses. The floods killed 35 cattle, 87 goats, 40 sheep, 100,395 chickens and 1,000 ducks in the district.

The financial loss from animal deaths alone stood at Tk2.87 crore, while total losses, including farm and feed damage, reached Tk28.17 crore.

In Cox's Bazar, the floods killed eight cattle, 12 goats, 7,503 chickens and 521 ducks. Animal deaths caused losses of Tk77.91 lakh, while total losses, including farms and feed, were estimated at Tk1.52 crore.

Bandarban reported the deaths of one cow, 10 goats and 1,000 chickens, with total losses estimated at Tk12 lakh, including Tk5 lakh from animal deaths.

In Rangamati, one cow, 11 goats and 1,500 chickens died. Animal deaths caused losses of Tk6.15 lakh, while total losses reached Tk14.85 lakh.

Khagrachhari recorded comparatively lower losses, with three goats and 700 chickens dying. Animal deaths caused losses of Tk1.85 lakh, while total losses, including feed damage, stood at Tk19.15 lakh.

Livestock officials said the figures are preliminary and the overall damage assessment could increase after floodwaters recede and field-level reassessments are completed.

They added that initiatives are underway to rehabilitate affected farmers and ensure emergency livestock feed support.