Floodwaters recede in Feni, thousands return to damaged homes

As floodwaters start to recede across Feni, thousands of displaced people are returning to homes ravaged by flood damage and uncertainty.

The struggle for survival has begun a new phase, with drenched houses, damaged homesteads, and ruined food, leaving them in an uncertain condition.

Many areas remain without electricity, while recovery efforts are falling short of the overwhelming need.

Fulgazi UNO Faria Islam said, "Although water has receded, several homes remain uninhabitable. We are working in coordination with power and health departments." 

Though rivers Muhuri, Kuhoya, and Silonia have fallen below danger levels, over 29,000 people across five upazilas remain affected. 

More than 6,900 families are still waterlogged, while 484 people from 130 families remain in shelters. Around 150,000 residents were marooned at the peak of the flood, and over 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, reports UNB.

River erosion has worsened the damage. In Shripur Road area of Fulgazi Bazar, at least 15 shops were washed away.

Trader Md Abdul Alim, who lost his only shop, said, "Now I stand here empty-handed."

Residents returning home are struggling to survive in unsanitary conditions. Rozina Akhter of Gojaria said, "Mud and filth have made our home unlivable. Children are falling sick. Even shelters lack adequate support."

The Water Development Board reported 36 breaches along river embankments—19 in Parshuram and 17 in Fulgazi. 

WDB engineer Akhtar Hossain said geo-bags are being used, but sustainable embankments and dredging are urgently needed.

The agricultural toll is also severe. The Department of Agricultural Extension reported 5,564 hectares of damaged cropland. Fisheries losses total Tk8.12 crore, and livestock losses stand at Tk64.88 lakh. Final estimates are expected once all floodwaters have fully receded.

Md Harun, a farmer in Komua village, said, "This flood took my poultry and fish again. Every year it's the same—embankments break, and we lose everything."

Demands are shifting from temporary aid to long-term solutions. Former upazila chairman Aminul Rasul Golap said, "People want strong embankments and river dredging—not just relief."

Feni DC Saiful Islam said Tk23.5 lakh has been allocated for relief, and Tk40 lakh more has been sought. The army is also assisting efforts.

Last August, Feni saw one of its worst floods, which killed 29 and affected over 10 lakh people. 

Heavy rainfall likely in Dhaka, 2 other divisions

Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has forecast heavy (44-88mm /24hrs) to very heavy (> 88mm/24hrs) rainfall at places in three divisions due to a low over the Bay of Bengal.

It predicted rains in Dhaka, Barishal and Khulna divisions commencing 9am yesterday, said a Met office bulletin.

Signal 3 hoisted at seaports

A low-pressure area has formed over the North Bay and adjoining coastal regions of Bangladesh, prompting authorities to hoist local cautionary signal 3 at four seaports- Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, Mongla, and Payra, the Met Office said yesterday.

In a special bulletin, the Met Office said the low pressure has resulted in a steep pressure gradient over the North Bay and its adjacent areas.