High waters, low spirits: Flooded Sylhet struggles to celebrate Eid
Share on:
People have relocated sacrificial animals to the second floor
Incessant rains and water from upstream have once again flooded Sylhet city and its bordering upazilas.Incessant rains and water from upstream have once again flooded Sylhet city and its bordering upazilas.Incessant rains and water from upstream have once again flooded Sylhet city and its bordering upazilas.
Many homes in Sylhet city are inundated, forcing residents to spend Eid with waterlogged homes.
Flood victims in Sylhet metropolis are facing significant hardships as water has entered their homes and businesses.
Many have relocated their sacrificial animals to the second floor. Some residents have expressed concern that they may be unable to perform the Eid sacrifice unless the water recedes, with the possibility of delaying the sacrifice by a few days.
Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) officials reported that the Surma and Kushiyara rivers were flowing above the danger level at Kanaighat (79cm) and Fenchuganj (67cm), respectively.
Heavy rainfall also disrupted the main Eid congregation at the historical Shahi Eidgah ground, said Abdul Malik Zaka, a member of the Eidgah committee.
He noted that around 200,000 people typically attend the Eid congregation at the Eidgah ground every year, but only 200-250 worshippers attended this time.
In addition to the Shahi Eidgah, other main Eid congregations were held at Hazrat Shahjalal (R) Dargah Mosque, Bandor Bazar Central Mosque, Kudrat Ullah Jame Mosque, and Sylhet Collectorate Mosque.
Reports indicate that all low-lying areas are submerged. Shahjalal suburb is particularly affected, with water reaching neck height on the ground floors of many houses.
Other affected areas include Shibganj, Raynagar, Subhanighat, Kalighat, Kamalgarh, Machimpur, Taltala, Kazir Bazar, Modina Market, and Akhalia.
Flooding has also impacted several main and important roads in the city. Airport Road, Sylhet-Tamabil road, South Surma's Bangbir Road, and various other roads are submerged, with waist-deep water in some places. Residents are seeking safe shelter amid these conditions.
Sylhet has received 173.6mm of rain in the last 24 hours, according to the district’s Meteorological Office.