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Since Tuesday (July 8) afternoon, water has started entering residential areas due to the embankment breaches. The Muhuri River embankment has been damaged in three locations in Chithalia Union of Parshuram Upazila (Madhyam Dhanikunda, Noapur, and Shaldhar), two locations in Derpara of Fulgazi Upazila, and one in Napit Konay. Additionally, the Silonia River embankment has breached in four locations in Mirzanagar Union (West Gadanagar, Jangalghona, North Manipur Daspara, and near Melaghar graveyard). At least 15 villages have been affected, leaving thousands of people in distress.
Sanjida Akhtar, a resident of the Academy area in Feni town, said, “Last year, floodwater submerged the ground floor of our house. But this is the first time such a situation has arisen solely due to rainfall. We managed to save some belongings, but we are facing severe hardships due to a lack of food and drinking water.”
Rashedul Islam, a resident of Manipur in Parshuram, stated, “One of the breaches in the Ballamukha embankment from last year is still unrepaired. This is due to the negligence of the Water Development Board. Water is entering through that spot again. Unless the navigability of these rivers is restored, we will face such suffering every year.”
Abul Kashem, Sub-Divisional Engineer of the Feni Water Development Board, told Dhaka Post, “So far, we have received information about breaches in five locations. Our fieldwork is ongoing.” He added that the water levels in the Muhuri and Silonia rivers have crossed the danger level, and the situation could worsen if rainfall continues upstream.
According to Md. Mojibur Rahman, the officer-in-charge of the Feni Weather Office, a record 440 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours ending at 6 PM on Tuesday, the highest in recent years. Rainfall is likely to continue for the next 2-3 days.
Continuous rainfall has caused waterlogging in various parts of Feni town, including Daktarpara, Shahid Shahidullah Kaysar Road, Nazir Road, Mizan Road, and other low-lying areas. Shops have been damaged as water entered them, though the water levels have started receding slowly since the afternoon.
