Amid heavy monsoon rains triggering widespread waterlogging and fears of flooding, classes and examinations have been postponed in 1,800 educational institutions across Noakhali district.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee, held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office on Wednesday (July 9).
Israt Nasima Habib , District Primary Education Officer, confirmed to Jago News that academic activities have been suspended in 1,253 primary schools until Saturday (July 12), though the suspension may be extended depending on the situation. She added that teachers will remain present at schools to maintain equipment and facilities.
Meanwhile, Nur Uddin Mohammad Jahangir, District Secondary Education Officer, said that ongoing exams in more than 500 secondary schools and madrasas have also been postponed.
According to Md Rafiqul Islam , Officer-in-Charge of the District Meteorological Department, 223 mm of rainfall was recorded in Noakhali within 24 hours ending at 3 pm on July 9. Rainfall is expected to continue over the next few days.
At least five upazilas , including the district headquarters, are already submerged under water due to continuous rain over the past two days. Residents in low-lying areas are facing severe hardship as homes, unpaved roads, and semi-paved streets are inundated. In some areas, water levels have reached knee-deep, while others are waist-deep, bringing public life to a near standstill.
The administration has directed executive officers from Noakhali Sadar, Subarnachar, Senbag, Kabirhat, and Companiganj to take immediate action in response to the disaster. Locals have also reported significant river erosion along coastal areas.
Tanvir Farhad Shamim , Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) of Companiganj, highlighted concerns over damage to agricultural land, particularly seedbeds, due to waterlogging caused by an illegal dam built near sluice gate number 2 of the Muchapur canal. He said the Water Development Board has been asked to remove the obstruction immediately.
Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Istiak Ahmed stated that the district administration is actively preparing for flood response. A large number of volunteers are mobilized, and emergency supplies—including mobile water purification plants and tablets—have been stocked to ensure access to clean drinking water.
Emergency medical measures have also been taken, with special focus on treating snake bites and diarrheal diseases . Schools have been identified as temporary shelters, and a control room has been set up to coordinate relief operations.
The high-level meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Muhammad Ismail was attended by key officials, including Noakhali Municipality Administrator Jalal Uddin , District Fisheries Officer Mohammad Iqbal Hossain , District Education Officer Nur Uddin Mohammad Jahangir , Sadar Upazila Executive Officer Akhinur Jahan Nila , District Relief and Rehabilitation Officer Mohammad Masudur Rahman , and representatives from various departments and voluntary organizations.