Eleven months after a devastating flood struck Parshuram upazila in Feni in August 2024, repairs to over 50 damaged roads, culverts, and bridges remain incomplete. Now, residents are grappling with yet another round of flooding—before recovering from the previous disaster.
According to sources, the flood that began on August 20 last year caused massive destruction, affecting nearly 200,000 people in the upazila. Numerous roads, bridges, and small culverts collapsed. Among the damaged infrastructure were 9 bridges and 3 culverts, while 40 roads were seriously damaged. Many of these remain unusable.
SM Shah Alam Bhuiyan, Upazila Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), said a proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Local Government for funding to repair the damaged roads and bridges. He added that 40 flood-damaged points have already been repaired.
The LGED office reported that around 95 kilometers of roads in Mirzanagar, Chitholia, Box Mahmud, and the municipal area were damaged. Of these, about 10 roads became completely impassable, while partial repairs were made on others. The LGED has submitted a demand for Tk 2.27 crore for road repairs and Tk 5.2 crore for rebuilding 12 culverts and RCC bridges.
Among the worst-hit structures was an RCC girder bridge on the Pulpur–Jangalghona road in Chitholia Union, built at a cost of Tk 19 lakh. The bridge collapsed completely, and the soil around both ends eroded up to 10 feet, cutting off all transport access.
Before full recovery from last year's disaster, heavy flooding has once again hit Parshuram. Continuous rainfall and runoff from upstream hills in India have breached 21 embankment points along the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers, inundating hundreds of villages. Vast low-lying areas in Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas are now underwater, affecting around 20,000 people. Floodwaters have submerged roads, cutting off transportation.
According to the Feni Water Development Board, breaches occurred at 12 points in Parshuram and 9 in Fulgazi. Of the total 21 breaches, the Muhuri River accounts for 11, the Kohua for 6, and the Silonia for 4. Over 100 villages have been flooded, with the situation worsening.
District administration sources said 6,826 people have taken shelter in 49 centers across Parshuram, Fulgazi, Chhagalnaiya, and parts of Feni Sadar. Ninety volunteers have been deployed in coordination with local authorities. Cooked meals and dry rations are being distributed, while the Feni-Parshuram road remains closed due to strong currents.
Abdul Haque, a resident of Fulgazi, said: “Rainfall has decreased somewhat, and river levels are receding. But water is still entering through breached embankments, flooding more areas. Like last year, mobile networks are down again. Authorities failed to take preventive steps despite past experience.”
Nahida Sultana of Madhyam Dhanikunda said: “Water entered our house after sunset. We had to take shelter on the rooftop with only a few essentials. Just like last year, all our belongings are being ruined again. Before the year even turned, our dreams are sinking once more.”
Shahidul Islam from East Rangamatia in Mirzanagar Union blamed the Water Development Board, saying: “Officials left the entry point of the Bollamukha embankment open. Had it been closed in time, the flood could have been avoided. Every year, the negligence of a few causes suffering for many.”
Shahid Ullah from Tulatoli in Parshuram added: “The area is submerged. Roads are underwater and inaccessible. Many people are trapped and going through severe hardship.”
Md Mojibur Rahman, acting officer at the Feni Meteorological Office, reported 58 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours till midnight Wednesday, with light rain expected to continue through Thursday.
Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said: “The situation is being closely monitored. About 20,000 people across several upazilas are affected. Nearly 7,000 people have taken shelter in 49 centers. Tk 17 lakh has been allocated for relief operations across six upazilas.”