Floodwater creates potholes in a road at Kalikapur village under Mirjapur union of Parshuram upazila of Feni. Photo: Observer
The full extent of damage in Feni district, due to flooding, is becoming apparent as the floodwaters recede after a weeklong flooding due to continuous rainfall and mountain runoff from India.
With the floodwaters retreating, the devastation is now visible in the upazilas of Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya. Many affected residents are trying to rebuild their lives from the ruins. The flood victims are now suffering from various waterborne diseases, and there is an urgent shortage of food, water, and medicine. Reports indicted that without immediate action, a severe humanitarian crisis could unfold.
According to Feni District Administration, two people have died due to the floods, though the actual number of missing or dead could be higher as precise data is not yet available.
Local sources report that all six upazilas in the district have suffered total destruction of transplanted Aman rice, vegetable fields, and seedbeds. Water rose so high in many homes that it submerged rooftops, destroying furniture, bedding, and household goods.
Flood victims described how the deluge hit with little warning, engulfing homes within just 3-4 hours. People fled to shelters or used makeshift rafts made from banana trees, leaving behind their belongings, livestock, and essential supplies. Upon returning, they found their homes destroyed, with nothing left of their once well-organized households. Fish ponds and enclosures across the upazilas were completely swept away, and the remaining livestock now face a severe fodder shortage.
Even where water has receded, living in the muddy, waterlogged conditions is nearly impossible. The flood destroyed household supplies, including food grains, cooking stoves, and firewood. Roads, both rural and paved, have been completely washed away, cutting off communication and making it difficult for aid organizations to reach those in need.
A goods-laden truck heading towards Parshuram to distribute relief among the flood victim. Photo: Observer
The Feni District Administration has set up one emergency medical camp in the district and six others in the upazilas. Additionally, six private hospitals in the district town, including Concept Hospital, Medinova Hospital, Medilab, Al Aqsa Hospital, ZU Model Hospital, and Mission Hospital & Diagnostic Center, have opened medical camps.
Senior government officials, including the advisors for disaster management and religious affairs, as well as the heads of the army, navy, and other services, have visited the flood-affected areas and distributed relief. Since the flood began, the army, navy, air force, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Coast Guard, and Fire Service, alongside volunteer teams, have been conducting rescue operations using speedboats, and other vehicles, and distributing relief materials.
After a seven-day disruption, some connectivity has been restored between the district headquarters and the upazilas of Parshuram, Fulgazi, Chhagalnaiya, and Sonagazi. However, many roads remain damaged, with parts washed away, creating potholes and making travel hazardous. The absence of passenger vehicles has caused additional hardship, forcing people to risk travel on trucks and pickups. In many areas, gas (CNG) and electricity remain unavailable, leading to the shutdown of CNG and battery-powered auto-rickshaws.
Mobile networks have been partially restored in some areas, but two-thirds of the district still lack electricity. However, conditions are gradually improving.
Rescue operations have saved 1.5 lakh people, thanks to the combined efforts of the armed forces, law enforcement, student organizations, and volunteer groups. Many others sought refuge on their own.
District Commissioner Musammat Shahina Akhtar reported that 62,000 packets of dry food have been distributed through government and private initiatives. The army, navy, and RAB, with helicopter assistance, have distributed an additional 56,500 food packets. Volunteers have also delivered substantial quantities of food to flood victims.
The Relief and Rehabilitation Branch reported that cash assistance and rice have been allocated for relief efforts. Shelters have been set up to provide meals, including khichuri and dry food.
The Roads and Highways Department and the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have yet to assess the full extent of the damage to regional and rural roads. Similarly, the Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock, and Water Development Board have been unable to quantify the losses, stating that a full assessment will be possible only after the floodwaters completely recede.
