One dies as light rain floods low-lying areas of Moheshkhali

Flooding caused by light rainfall and high tides has inundated several low-lying coastal areas of Moheshkhali upazila of Cox's Bazar, leaving one person dead and hundreds affected. 

The deceased, 42-year-old Danu Mia of Kutubjom union, reportedly drowned in tidal waters early in the morning today (29 May).

According to his family, Danu Mia had epilepsy and lost consciousness after falling into the rising water on his way home from a shop. Though locals quickly rescued him and rushed him to the hospital, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Md Abdul Hannan, assistant meteorologist at the Cox's Bazar Meteorological Office, said, "We recorded 91mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours as of 9am today. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected to continue today and tomorrow, with light to moderate showers over the next couple of days."

Areas including Kutubjom, Sairar Dail in Matarbari, Dhalghata, and Chhoto Moheshkhali were severely affected. Roads, homes, and shops went underwater, disrupting normal life and triggering power outages. With rising panic, many residents began fleeing their homes in search of safer ground.

The situation deteriorated further as a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal intensified into a depression, driving tidal surges nearly twice the usual height. The Met Office warned that tides could rise 2-3 feet above normal, putting more low-lying areas at risk. Local authorities have advised fishing boats and small vessels to remain near the shore.

Photo: Collected

In Chhoto Moheshkhali, the main road has been severely damaged, while floodwaters entered markets, schools, and homes across multiple unions. Many residents lost their belongings to the strong currents.

Fishing communities were also hit hard. Nets from several trawlers stationed in the Badarkhali channel were torn by rough waves. Fishermen at the jetty were seen repairing their damaged gear.

"We only went out to sea for a few days, but now most of our nets are destroyed," said one fisherman, who feared major financial losses.

Sona Mia, a resident of Jaliapara in Matarbari union, expressed his despair, saying, "My house is all I have left. Now it's on the verge of being swallowed by the sea. I spent a sleepless night with my family. I don't even have the means to move it."

Rahima Begum, another resident, added, "We suffer this misery every year because there's no embankment. This time, water entered our house and destroyed everything." Locals are urging immediate construction of a durable embankment.

As the weather worsened, the Moheshkhali–Cox's Bazar sea route was suspended at 11am today by the upazila administration. Residents in vulnerable coastal zones have been directed to evacuate to designated shelters.

"We've prepared shelters and intensified surveillance," said Moheshkhali Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Hedayet Ullah. "Several areas are submerged, and many homes have been flooded. We are ensuring people from high-risk zones are relocated safely.

"Discussions are ongoing with relevant authorities for the repair and construction of embankments."