Hundreds of shops at Jaflong Zero Point, one of Sylhet’s most popular tourist destinations, were destroyed after a sudden surge in the Piain River's water level triggered a flash flood overnight, leaving traders counting heavy losses.

Affected traders said heavy rainfall in the Indian state of Meghalaya on Saturday night caused the river’s water level to rise sharply, inundating the Jaflong Zero Point area.

The powerful current swept away hundreds of shops and their goods, catching traders off guard. Many had already closed their businesses and returned home, while some were sleeping inside their shops when the flood struck.

Traders said they had little time to move their belongings as the water rose rapidly. While a few managed to salvage some goods, most lost everything.

Many affected shop owners said they had borrowed money from banks and non-governmental organisations to stock goods for the peak tourist season. The sudden disaster has left them without their primary source of income.

Alamgir Hossain, general secretary of the Jaflong Tourist Centre Traders Association, said hundreds of small traders were devastated by the overnight flooding.

“Every year we face the same threat to our lives and livelihoods. We urgently need financial assistance from the authorities,” he said.

He also called for a long-term solution, including constructing a safe and permanent market facility for traders at Zero Point.

Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ratan Kumar Adhikari said the administration had received reports of extensive damage caused by the sudden rise in the Piain River.

He said the losses would be assessed and necessary steps taken after consulting with higher authorities.