Severe flooding devastates Fatikchhari

Fatikchhari, the largest upazila in Chittagong, is grappling with an unprecedented flood, described as the worst in living memory.

The flood has submerged hundreds of homes, agricultural lands, markets, and shops, leaving over 200,000 residents in distress.

For two consecutive days, vast areas have been inundated, including the Chittagong-Khagrachhari, Gohira-Heyako, Nazirhat-Kazirhat, and other regional roads. Thousands of acres of Aman paddy fields, ponds, fish projects, and poultry farms are under water.

Emergency shelters have been established in schools, colleges, and madrasas to accommodate those affected. A control room has been set up by the sub-district administration to manage the crisis.

Continuous heavy rainfall has breached the embankments of several canals, including the Halda, Sorta, Dhurung, and Fatikchhari canals, flooding various areas. Water levels in rivers have exceeded danger levels, damaging rural infrastructure.

At least 50,000 people have been displaced, seeking refuge in higher grounds and multi-storey buildings. Despite the initial severity, there is hope as the floodwaters have begun to recede since Friday morning, although the full extent of recovery remains uncertain.

Reports indicate that areas previously unaffected by floods in the past 50 years are now submerged under 5-7 feet of water. The full impact on the community and infrastructure is still being assessed.

Upazila officials report that over 100,000 homes in East Suwabil, West Suwabil, Nazirhat Municipality, and surrounding areas are submerged. The UNO, Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, expressed hope for improvement in the situation but acknowledged ongoing challenges.

Three people have died due to drowning, including two children and one adult. Search operations are ongoing for a missing teenager swept away by the floodwaters.

The situation remains critical, with severe shortages of clean water and food. Urgent humanitarian assistance is required to support the affected population.

As authorities continue to provide aid and manage the crisis, efforts are focused on stabilizing the situation and ensuring the safety of all residents.

Source: UNB