Thousands stranded as flood situation worsens in Sunamganj

The flood situation in Sunamganj has deteriorated significantly, leaving a vast number of residents stranded as water levels continue to rise due to incessant rainfall and the overflow of rivers and streams originating from the hills.

The Surma, Chela, and Piain rivers have taken on a menacing form with water levels surging above 137 centimeters as of Tuesday, according to Bangladesh Water Development Board (PWDB).

Several areas of Sunamganj district, including Bagbari, Mondolibhog, Hospital Road, Tantikon, Baula, Charerband, Moglapara, Dhakaiya Bari, Leberpara, Patniara, Kumna, and Shyampara have been inundated, leaving residents in dire straits.

Several shelters have been opened across different parts of the upazila to accommodate those displaced, providing them with essential supplies, as reported by the upazila administration.

Communities adjacent to Chhatak, Kompanyganj, and Dowarabazar upazilas have also been affected by the extensive flooding. Numerous rural roads in Chhatak have been submerged, severing communication lines and leaving tens of thousands stranded.

In many educational institutions in the rural areas of Chhatak upazila, floodwaters have entered the premises, disrupting normal activities.

More than half of the villages in Chhatak upazila are currently submerged, affecting a large number of people who are living in inundated conditions.

Several sections of major roads such as Ichhamati-Chhonbari Bazaar, Shimultala-Mukhtirgaon, Bangabandhu Road, Chhatak-Zouya, Chhatak-Sunamganj, and Chhatak-Dowarabazar have been inundated.

Hundreds of makeshift and rural houses have been damaged, along with newly constructed 8-10 km of rural roads in the bordering areas of Islamapur union under Chhatak upazila, due to the impact of hill torrents.

Officials fear that if the water levels continue to rise unabated, communication through roads in Chhatak could soon be severed, further isolating the region from the rest of the country.

Expressing their concern, local residents said that this flood is more terrifying than the 1988 flood. They are struggling to keep family members and livestocks safe.

Golam Mustafa Muna, the Nirbahi officer of Chhatak upazila, assured that the administration is prepared to tackle the flood situation.

“A sufficient number of shelters have been prepared, and all necessary preparations have been made by the upazila administration,” he said.

“I urge everyone to assist the affected people with humanitarian efforts,” he emphasized.