Lakhs stranded without electricity amid flood in Feni
As the situation deteriorated, power was completely shut off in these three upazilas, as well as parts of Sonagazi and Dagonbhuiyan upazilas. Additionally, due to waterlogging in Feni town caused by heavy rainfall, electricity was turned off from noon until late at night.
Floodwaters from the broken embankments of the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia rivers in Feni are flooding the region, leaving lakhs of people trapped and without electricity.
The lack of connectivity has aggravated the suffering of those affected by the disaster.
Since Monday night (19 August), most areas of Parshuram, Phulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya upazilas have been without electricity due to damage to the power lines caused by the floodwaters.
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As the situation deteriorated, power was completely shut off in these three upazilas, as well as parts of Sonagazi and Dagonbhuiyan upazilas. Additionally, due to waterlogging in Feni town caused by heavy rainfall, electricity was turned off from noon until late at night.
Abdur Rahman, a resident of Satkuchia in Parshuram, said that their houses were submerged in floodwaters.
"The strong currents have made rescue operations difficult, and the lack of electricity and mobile network has added to their hardships," he added.
Hawladar Fazlur Rahman, general manager of Feni Rural Electrification Board, said that out of the district's four lakh customers, more than three lakh are without electricity. Heavy rain has damaged power lines in various areas.
Alamgir Hossain, sub-divisional engineer of Feni Power Development Board, mentioned that approximately 70% of their customers are without power.
"There is no hope of restoring the power supply until the floodwaters recede. The situation is worsening by the hour," he added.
Meanwhile, the army has started rescue operations with speedboats to evacuate people stranded in the flood-affected areas. In addition, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and hundreds of volunteers from district volunteer organisations are conducting rescue operations and providing food assistance throughout the day.
The district administration has informed that the Bangladesh Coast Guard is also joining the rescue efforts. All local rural roads, including the Feni-Parshuram regional road, have been closed due to the flooding.
Feni Deputy Commissioner Musammat Shahina Akhter said that the army and Coast Guard were requested to assist in the rescue efforts.
The army has already started rescue operations with six speedboats, and six more are on their way to Feni. Members of the BGB are also involved, and the Coast Guard is joining the rescue operations.
