Struggle for survival begins anew in flood-hit Feni as waters recede

As floodwaters begin to recede across Feni, thousands of displaced residents are returning to their homes only to be met with devastation and despair. 

The battle for survival has entered a new phase, marked by waterlogged dwellings, broken furniture, spoiled food, and widespread uncertainty.

The immediate threat of floodwaters may have passed, but the scars of the deluge are evident across the district. 

Many areas remain without electricity, with recovery efforts struggling to keep pace with the damage.

At least 484 people from 130 families continue to seek refuge in nine local shelters, while around 9,076 people have already left temporary accommodations to attempt rebuilding their lives in damaged homes.

Fulgazi Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Faria Islam said power restoration is still pending in several locations. 

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

Since 8 July, the rivers Muhuri, Kahuya and Silonia began swelling following continuous rain and upstream water from Tripura. 

The resulting floods swept through Fulgazi, Parshuram, Chhagalnaiya and Feni Sadar upazilas.

According to the district administration, over 150,000 residents were marooned by the flooding, and more than 1,000 homes were either partially or completely destroyed. 

Roads, bridges, agricultural land, and educational institutions were severely affected.

In Fulgazi Bazar's Shripur Road area, river erosion swept away at least 15 shops. 

Md Abdul Alim, a local trader, lost his only means of income. 

"The river took away my shop in a single day. I ran my family with that income. Now I stand here, empty-handed, with no idea how to survive," he said.

Residents who returned to their homes are finding conditions unlivable. 

Rozina Akhter from Gojaria village said, "The water has gone, but we can't enter our home. Mud, stench from spoiled food, and filth have made the place unlivable. The children are falling sick. Even in shelters, we are getting very little support."

The Water Development Board (WDB) reported that embankments were breached at 36 points along the Muhuri, Kahuya, and Silonia rivers—19 in Parshuram and 17 in Fulgazi. 

Earlier, the board had recorded 20 breaches within four days.

Akhtar Hossain, WDB executive engineer in Feni, said geo-bags are being used to contain breaches, but sustainable solutions are required. 

"We have been trying to contain the breaches using geo-bags, but sustainable embankments and long-term river dredging plans are urgently needed," he said.

The Department of Agricultural Extension confirmed that 5,564.61 hectares of cropland were affected. 

The Fisheries Department recorded losses of Tk8.12 crore, while the Department of Livestock reported damages amounting to Tk64.88 lakh. 

Final estimates are expected once all floodwaters have fully receded.

Md Harun, a poultry and fish farmer from Komua village, said he is facing the same nightmare again. 

"Last year, the flood cost me over Tk20 lakh. This time, chickens died, and fish enclosures were washed away again. Every year the same story, embankments break, the water comes, and we get promises. These disasters have become routine," he said.

Calls for temporary aid are gradually being replaced by demands for permanent solutions. Former upazila chairman Aminul Rasul Golap said people in Phulgazi are no longer seeking relief.

"They want strong embankments. Without proper river dredging, maintenance, and oversight, annual floods will continue to drown us," he said.

Parshuram UNO Ariful Islam said relief efforts are ongoing, but resources remain limited. 

"We are listing affected people and planning rehabilitation in phases," he added.

Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said, "We have allocated Tk23.5 lakh for relief distribution. An additional Tk40 lakh has been sought from the Disaster Management Ministry for dry food, cattle feed, and baby food. The army is assisting with relief efforts. The situation is gradually improving, and support for affected families will continue."

In August last year, Feni experienced one of the worst floods in its history. 

The disaster claimed 29 lives and affected more than 10 lakh people. 

Total damages were estimated at Tk2,686.20 crore, impacting homes, roads, schools, transport, and businesses across the district.