Over 30 villages submerged in Feni as embankments collapse at 15 points
The Water Development Board (WDB) in Feni said that the Muhuri River in Parshuram was flowing 1.57 meters above the danger level as of midnight on Tuesday, recording a rise of 6.92 meters in just 15 hours
Over 30 villages in Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas of Feni district have been flooded after flood control embankments along the Muhuri, Kuhua and Silonia rivers gave way at 15 points.
The flooding, triggered by relentless heavy rainfall and rising upstream waters from India, has also disrupted electricity supply in several areas, plunging thousands of residents into darkness.
While floodwaters have reportedly begun to recede in Feni town, many low-lying areas remain waterlogged, causing severe disruption to daily life.
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Feni Meteorological Office recorded 439 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours until Wednesday morning.
According to the Feni Power Distribution Division and Rural Electrification Board, power supply in the flood-affected areas has been suspended for safety as water submerged electric meters and substations in many areas.
The Water Development Board (WDB) in Feni said that the Muhuri River in Parshuram was flowing 1.57 meters above the danger level as of midnight on Tuesday, recording a rise of 6.92 meters in just 15 hours.
Masudur Rahman, a resident of Fulgazi, said, "Water is still rushing in through the breached embankments. As time passes, more and more areas are getting flooded. Just like last year's flood, we are again facing mobile network issues. The authorities have failed to learn from that experience and take preventive measures."
Arif Hossain, a resident of Tulatoli in Parshuram, said, "Water is everywhere now. Roads have gone under water, cutting off vehicular movement. Many people are stranded and suffering terribly. The rain still hasn't stopped."
More moderate to heavy showers are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, said Md Mojibur Rahman, acting officer of the local met office.
According to local administration, the embankment along the Muhuri River has collapsed at several points, including two at Jungleghona, three at Olka, and one at Shaldhar in Parshuram and one at Uttar Sreepur in Fulgazi.
Along the Silonia River, collapses have occurred at Gadanagar in Parshuram and two spots in Derpara of Fulgazi.
The Kuhua River embankment has broken at Satkuchia and Berabari in Parshuram and at Daulatpur in Fulgazi.
"Water entered our home around 8pm. We had to evacuate with essentials," said Zakia Akhter of Chitholia village in Parshuram. "We lost everything in last year's floods, and now we're facing the same again."
Rafiqul Islam of Mirzanagar alleged negligence by WDB officials in failing to close the entry point of the Ballamukha embankment on time.
Parshuram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman said local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, though many people are still unwilling to take shelter.
Fulgazi UNO Fahria Islam informed that collapses occurred at four spots and over 100 people had taken shelter, with food support provided.
WDB Executive Engineer Akhtar Hossain warned that if rain continues upstream in Tripura, India, water levels could rise further, risking new collapses.
District Commissioner Saiful Islam said 131 schools have been prepared as shelters, with 150 people already relocated. Relief worth Tk6.5 lakh and 400 food packets have been allocated.
A control room has been opened, and all public and private institutions have been instructed to safeguard vital documents and equipment. Over 2,500 trained volunteers are on standby, added the DC.
Mentionable, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Cumilla districts experienced an unprecedented flooding last year, causing immense damage of lives, valuables, and crops.
Feni residents now fear another flood this year, considering the circumstances.
