The flood situation in Noakhali has worsened on Saturday following the continuous heavy rainfall for last two days across the district.
Among the district's nine upazilas, eight have seen a rise in floodwaters, with Senbagh, Begumganj, Sadar, Sonaimuri, and Chatkhil upazilas being the hardest hit.
It was known that floodwaters have been stagnant in various parts of Noakhali for the past 15 days, turning into waterlogging in many areas. Currently, 11.55 lakh people remain trapped in floodwater, while 35,441 people are taking refuge in 349 shelters. The floods have claimed 11 lives so far.
According to Arjul Islam, Senior Meteorological Observer at the district weather office, Maijdee recorded 124 mm of rainfall from Friday noon to Saturday noon, with continuous rain throughout the day. Due to the influence of the deep-depression over the Bay of Bengal and monsoon, the heavy rainfall is expected to persist for the next 24 hours, which may further deteriorate the flood situation.
Locals report that low-lying areas of the upazilas have seen water levels rise by 3–4 feet in some places and 7–8 feet in others. The drainage system in the area has collapsed, causing water to recede very slowly, raising widespread concern among residents.
People in Kabirhat Upazila are facing severe difficulties due to the flood and waterlogging. They are urging the government to take immediate action to improve the drainage system and address the ongoing flood crisis.
Meanwhile, adverse weather in Hatiya island upazila caused 10 fishing trawlers to sink on Friday afternoon. Five trawlers and 17 fishermen are still missing.
Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Ishtiaq Ahmed acknowledged the persistent waterlogging issue following the floods, saying, "It is still raining. If the situation worsens, the district administration will continue to stand by the people, just as it has before."
