Heavy rainfall and upstream water from India have triggered severe flooding in Feni, breaching flood control embankments of the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia rivers at 14 locations in Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas.
At least 30 villages are inundated, affecting thousands of families, with Parshuram upazila severed from the district town due to submerged roads.
According to local authorities, the Muhuri River embankment failed at two points in Jangalghona (Parshuram), three in Alka, one in Shaldhar, and one in Uttar Sreepur (Fulgazi). The Silonia River breached at one point in Gadanagar (Parshuram) and two in Derpara (Fulgazi).
The Kahua River saw collapses at two points in Satkuchia (Parshuram), one in Berabaria, and one in Daulatpur (Fulgazi), leaving thousands stranded.
Nahida Sultana from Madhyam Dhani Kunda, Parshuram, described the devastation: “Water flooded our homes after evening. We’re on the roof with essentials, but everything else is lost. Last year’s flood destroyed us, and now our dreams are drowning again.”
Shahidul Islam from East Rangamatia, Mirzanagar Union, blamed negligence by the Water Development Board, stating, “The Ballamukha embankment’s entrance wasn’t closed in time, allowing water to surge in. Irresponsibility causes suffering every year.”
Parshuram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman reported round-the-clock monitoring, noting that new areas are flooding due to ongoing erosion, though few residents have moved to shelters. Fulgazi UNO Fahria Islam confirmed breaches at four embankment points, with over 100 people now in shelters where dry and cooked food are provided. Half-yearly exams in Fulgazi’s higher secondary institutions were postponed on July 9.
The Feni Meteorological Office recorded 441 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, the highest in years, with moderate to heavy rain expected to continue through Thursday.
Abul Kashem, Sub-Divisional Engineer at the Feni Water Development Board, warned that river levels remain above the danger mark, with further embankment erosion possible if upstream rains persist.
The district administration has prepared 131 shelters across Fulgazi (99, including 32 secondary and 67 primary schools) and Parshuram (32 institutions) to accommodate evacuees. Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam allocated Tk 6.5 lakh for dry and cooked food, with 800 packets of dry food distributed equally between the upazilas. A 24-hour control room at the district relief and rehabilitation branch is monitoring the crisis.