United News of Bangladesh

The government is taking steps to implement a Tk 7,340 crore project to build flood control embankments along the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers in Feni through the Bangladesh Army, said Disaster Management and Relief Ministry Adviser Faruk-E-Azam on Saturday. “This will not be an ordinary project. It’s a massive project and will require top-level technical expertise and flawless execution. The embankments must be of the highest quality,” he said while visiting flood-hit areas in Fulgazi upazila of the district. The adviser said the current embankments in the region are inadequate for tackling such large-scale floods. “We need stronger embankments. The proposed project will be implemented with proper technological support and under appropriate authority,” he said. “Natural disasters can’t be prevented, but the government is fully prepared to deal with the aftermath,” he said, adding that the embankment project alone will cost around Tk 7,000 crore and will take time to implement. The Adviser visited Ali Azam High School flood shelter in Fulgazi around 10am. Feni flood situation getting better after pause in rainfall He also visited Azmiri Begum Girls High School shelter in Munshirhat and inspected a river erosion point along the Muhuri River at Dakkhin Sripur Purbopara. During his visit, local flood-affected residents informed the adviser about delays in receiving relief and alleged various irregularities by local administration. They also demanded a sustainable 122-kilometre flood control embankment along the three rivers. The overall flood situation in Feni has started to improve with water levels gradually receding. The low-lying areas in Chhagalnaiya, Feni Sadar, and Daganbhuiyan remain submerged, leaving nearly 40,000 people across 30 villages waterlogged. Initial assessments suggest over 1,000 fish enclosures and ponds, and around 1,655 hectares of Aman seedbeds have been damaged. The livestock sector in Parshuram, Fulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya upazilas alone has suffered losses worth Tk 6.49 crore.

In Feni’s low-lying Fulgazi upazila, relentless floodwaters have submerged all 85 villages, turning the entire area into a vast expanse of water. The swollen Muhuri, Silonia and Kahua rivers have breached eight embankments at locations such as Derpara, Uttar Sripur and Daulatpur, unleashing fierce currents that swept away roofs, fences and lives. Among the ruins, some of the poorest villagers have fled with their cattle, poultry and children to shelter in whatever high places they could find. Families cram together in tiny rooms on the upper floors of school buildings and marketplaces -- survivors of a disaster they never caused. In a poignant reflection of the unfolding crisis, 75-year-old Abul Kashem from Uttar Sripur, middle-aged Motaleb, and 32-year-old Kawser Sultana each represent a generation grappling with despair. More than a hundred families have taken refuge on higher ground at the premises of Azmeri Begum Girls’ High School located at Notun Munshirhat. Incessant rainfall washes away crops and fish farms in Bhola, causes waterlogging Countless others, mostly the landless and marginalised, have crowded into emergency shelters across the sub-district, including Fulgazi Pilot High School, the girls’ high school, and local madrasas. For Kawser Sultana, the floodwaters took everything, except her young son. “The flood of ’24 has taken our home and all that we had to live on,” she said, her voice heavy with resignation. Meanwhile, Motaleb, holding back tears with a trembling voice and a fist clenching the folds of his lungi, recounted his midnight escape. “I left at 12. I’ve no medicine for my wife, no food. My children cry all night. We’re under a roof—but is that a home?”

The Council of Advisers in its meeting on Thursday discussed the need for finalising the design of the Musapur Regulator, Bamni Closure and the permanent dam construction project in Feni, as well as the importance of clearing canals and improving drainage systems in Noakhali. The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser’s Office, also discussed the recent flood and waterlogging situation in Feni and Noakhali districts due to heavy rainfall. Advisers from relevant ministries shared their views and outlined steps taken in response to the floods, according to a statement from the Chief Adviser’s press wing. The Council was informed that repair work on damaged embankments, riverbank protection, and water control infrastructure in both districts is currently underway with financial support from the World Bank. Political parties and Commission aligned, July Charter at final stage: Prof Ali Riaz There was also an in-depth discussion on the actions taken so far by the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief, along with the local administrations, to address the challenges posed by the ongoing floods and waterlogging in the two districts.

More than 35 villages in Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas of Feni district have been submerged following the collapse of flood control embankments at 17 points along the Muhuri, Kuhua and Silonia rivers.  The damage, caused by incessant heavy rain and surging upstream water from India, has also disrupted power supply in several areas of the district, leaving thousands of residents in the dark. However, the floodwaters have reportedly started to recede in Feni town, many low-lying areas remain inundated, disrupting daily life.  According to the Feni Power Distribution Division and Rural Electrification Board, power supply in the flood-affected areas has been suspended for safety as water submerged electric meters and substations in many areas. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) in Feni said that the Muhuri River in Parshuram was flowing 1.57 meters above the danger level as of midnight on Tuesday, recording a rise of 6.92 meters in just 15 hours. Feni Meteorological Office recorded 439 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours until Wednesday morning.  More moderate to heavy showers are expected on Wednesday and Thursday, said Md Mojibur Rahman, acting officer of the local met office. According to local administration, the embankment along the Muhuri River has collapsed at several points, including of two at Jungleghona, three at Olka, and one at Shaldhar in Parshuram and one at Uttar Sreepur in Fulgazi. Along the Silonia River, collapses have occurred at Gadanagar in Parshuram and two spots in Derpara of Fulgazi. Feni’s Muhuri, Selonia rivers still above danger level; floodwaters likely to recede The Kuhua River embankment has broken at Satkuchia and Berabari in Parshuram and at Daulatpur in Fulgazi. “Water entered our home around 8pm. We had to evacuate with essentials,” said Zakia Akhter of Chitholia village in Parshuram. “We lost everything in last year’s floods, and now we’re facing the same again.” Rafiqul Islam of Mirzanagar alleged negligence by WDB officials in failing to close the entry point of the Ballamukha embankment on time. Parshuram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arifur Rahman said local authorities are monitoring the situation closely, though many people are still unwilling to take shelter. Fulgazi UNO Fahria Islam informed that collapses occurred at four spots and over 100 people had taken shelter, with food support provided. BWDB Executive Engineer Akhtar Hossain warned that if rain continues upstream in Tripura, India, water levels could raise further, risking new collapses. District Commissioner Saiful Islam said 131 schools have been prepared as shelters, with 150 people already relocated. Relief worth Tk 6.5 lakh and 400 food packets have been allocated. A control room has been opened and all public and private institutions have been instructed to safeguard vital documents and equipment. Over 2,500 trained volunteers are on standby, added the DC.  Mentionable, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur and Cumilla districts experienced an unprecedented flooding last year, causing immense damage of lives, valuables, and crops.  Feni residents now fear another flood this year considering circumstances.  

The flood situation in Feni has deteriorated as the water level of the Muhuri River surged to 137 centimetres above the danger mark, according to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB). The BWDB's Executive Engineer for the district said that the rapid and abnormal rise in water levels has triggered flooding in several areas. Meanwhile the district administration said that considering the worsening situation, they have prepared 131 shelter centres across the affected upazilas. In Fulgazi upazila, 99 shelters have been readied — 32 in secondary schools and 67 in primary schools. In Parshuram upazila, 32 shelters have been kept on standby. A total of five places have been breached including the forest control dam located in Parashuram, and in Jangalghona, Gadanagar, Derpara and Sahebnagar. The water level continues to rise, said Feni BWDB. Flashflood likely in Feni as Muhuri river swells amid heavy rains: FFWC The Ganges and Padma rivers are experiencing a gradual rise in water levels which may continue for the next five days according to the latest forecast from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). However, they are projected to remain below the danger level. Meanwhile, higher-than-normal tidal activity is prevailing in coastal rivers of Barisal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions. These elevated tides are likely to persist for another day contributing to waterlogging in some areas. In August 2024, heavy rainfall, coupled with a surge of water released from a dam in India's Tripura resulted in severe flooding that claimed over 70 lives and affected 11 districts in northeastern and southeastern Bangladesh.

Heavy and persistent monsoon rains have disrupted life in various parts of Bangladesh inundating low-lying areas, triggering waterlogging and raising concerns of potential flashfloods, particularly in the country’s southeastern districts. In Dhaka, light rain since morning led to waterlogging and muddy roads in various areas, adding to commuters’ woes. Twenty-four millimeters of rain were recorded in Dhaka in 24 hours till 6pm on Tuesday. According to the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD), Feni recorded this season’s highest 440 millimetres of rainfall in 24 hours till 6pm on Tuesday. Cox’s Bazar (Teknaf), Khulna (Mongla), Patuakhali, Bhola and Laxmipur also experienced heavy downpour during the period. The downpour inundated many areas of Feni town, forcing school closures, disrupting traffic and affecting power supply in municipality areas. Major roads such as Shahid Shahidullah Kaiser Road, Rampur Shaheen Academy area, Pathan Bari, Nazir Road and Petrobangla went under knee- to waist-deep water, halting vehicular movement. Many vehicles stalled after water entered their engines, leaving commuters stranded since morning. Residents said the situation was reminiscent of last year’s devastating flood. “Too much rains! Exactly like what happened during the 2024 flood. May Allah stand by us,” wrote Mymuna Tania, a housewife from Chanmia Munshi Bari area, in a Facebook post, sharing a video of a road completely submerged. In Fulgazi upazila, parts of a dam along the Muhuri River collapsed due to the continuous downpour, damaging shops in nearby areas. Vehicular movement along the Nilaksmhi-Gabtala Road remained halted. Md Abul Kashem, sub-divisional engineer of the Water Development Board in Feni, said while the Muhuri River is still flowing below danger level, upstream water and more rainfall may aggravate the situation. “We are on high alert to prevent further riverbank erosion,” he said. Flashflood likely in Feni as Muhuri river swells amid heavy rains: FFWC The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said the water level of the Muhuri River may reach the danger level within the next 24 hours, raising the risk of flashfloods in nearby low-lying areas.  The water levels of the Feni, Muhuri, Halda, Sangu and Matamuhuri rivers are rising and expected to remain high over the next day before stabilising. Meanwhile, power supply in some parts of Feni town remained disrupted since morning, adding to the woes of the residents. Exams were held in some schools despite the waterlogging, with students wading through floodwaters or taking rickshaws to reach exam centres. Md Mojibur Rahman, acting meteorological officer in Feni, said the current rainfall pattern may continue for another two to three days. Elsewhere, continuous downpour has also hit Patuakhali, with the district recording 215.1mm of rainfall in the 24-hour period till 9 am on Tuesday. The rain has caused waterlogging in several parts of Patuakhali municipality, including Sabuj Bagh, Natun Bazar and Titash Mor. Numerous fish enclosures and ponds in the rural areas have also been submerged. The Bay of Bengal near Kuakata turned rough due to the active monsoon, with moderate to large waves crashing onto the shore. Squally weather is expected to continue along the coast. Maritime ports, including Payra in Patuakhali, have been advised to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 3, while fishermen have been instructed to remain in safe shelter. Due to possible gusty winds at 40-60 km/h, river ports in Patuakhali, Barishal, Khulna, Cumilla, Noakhali, Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar were also asked to hoist Local Cautionary Signal No. 1 until 1:00pm today. According to the latest Met office bulletin, light to moderate rain or thundershowers accompanied by temporary gusty wind is likely at most places over Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions and at many places over Rangpur division. Moderately heavy to very heavy rainfall may occur in parts of Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal and Chattogram divisions, it said. A low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining regions, combined with active southwest monsoon conditions, is driving the current rainfall pattern, it said. One of the monsoon troughs extends into the North Bay, making the sea rough and increasing the likelihood of more rain in the coming days.

The water level of the Muhuri River in Feni district may reach the danger level within the next 24 hours, raising the risk of temporary flashfloods in adjacent low-lying areas, according to the latest forecast from the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC). Due to the influence of a low-pressure system over the northwestern Bay of Bengal and adjoining coastal areas, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in the Muhuri basin over the next 24 hours. This will be followed by moderate to moderately heavy rainfall over the next two days. The FFWC said that water levels of the Feni, Muhuri, Halda, Sangu, and Matamuhuri rivers in Chattogram Division are currently rising and may continue to rise over the next 24 hours. They are expected to remain stable in the subsequent 48 hours. Besides, the Gomti River’s level remains unchanged. The water levels of the country’s major rivers are still flowing below the danger mark, according to FFWC. Incessant rains submerge parts of Feni town, flood fears loom The Brahmaputra-Jamuna river system is also witnessing a rising trend that may persist for the next three days before starting to recede. These rivers are expected to continue flowing below the danger level during this period. The Ganges and Padma rivers are experiencing a gradual rise in water levels which may continue for the next five days. However, they too are projected to remain below the danger level. Meanwhile, higher-than-normal tidal activity is prevailing in coastal rivers of Barisal, Khulna, and Chattogram divisions. These elevated tides are likely to persist for another day contributing to waterlogging in some areas. In August 2024, heavy rainfall, coupled with a surge of water released from a dam in India's Tripura resulted in severe flooding that claimed over 70 lives and affected 11 districts in northeastern and southeastern Bangladesh.

Incessant downpour for the past 24 hours till 12pm on Tuesday inundated many parts of Feni town, causing immense suffering of residents. The district recorded this season’s highest 347 millimeters of rainfall during the period, triggering fears of flooding. Many areas of the town went under knee to waist-deep water, submerging ground floors of houses and forcing school closures. Amid the inclement weather, some students had to sat for their scheduled exams by wading through floodwaters or taking rickshaws. Major roads including Shahid Shahidullah Kaiser Road, Rampur Shaheen Academy, Pathan Bari, Nazir Road, and PetroBangla area were severely waterlogged. Shops were inundated and many vehicles went out of order after water entered their engines, leaving commuters stranded since morning. Waist-deep water was seen on several stretches of Shahid Shahidullah Kaiser Road this noon. Expressing fear over another flood this year, Mymuna Tania, a housewife of Chanmia Munshi Bari Masjid area of the city, shared a video on her personal Facebook account showing a road by her residence completely inundated.  “Too much rain! exactly it happened during the 2024 flood. May Allah stand by us,” she wrote as the caption of the video. Five Feni villages innundated after collapse of flood embankments amid heavy rain In Fulgazi upazila, parts of a dam along the Muhuri River collapsed due to heavy downpours, damaging nearby shops. Vehicular movement on the Nilakhsmhi-Gabtala Road remained halted. Md Abul Kashem, sub-divisional engineer of the Water Development Board in Feni, said the water level in the Muhuri River remains below the danger mark, warning that upstream water could worsen the situation. “We are on high alert to prevent further riverbanks erosion,” he said. Meanwhile, power supply has been disrupted in most areas of Feni town since Tuesday morning. Acting meteorological officer of the district Md Mojibur Rahman said that rains are likely to continue over the next two to three days.