26 villages submerged in Jashore due to torrential rains

Torrential rains over past few days have flooded 26 villages at Abhaynagar upazila in Jashore district, leaving approximately 8,500 people stranded. 

The heavy rainfall has submerged homesteads, cropland, and fish enclosures, with water levels rising to waist and chest height in some areas. Schools remain closed, and roads are underwater.

The affected areas include Prembagh, Sundali, Chalisia, and Payra unions, along with parts of Nawapara municipality. Fourteen emergency shelters have been opened, providing refuge to 14 men, 18 women, and 55 children. However, many residents claim they have yet to receive government aid.

Fish enclosure owners face devastating losses, with 332 fish enclosures and 180 ponds damaged, amounting to over Tk 5.23 crore in estimated losses. Agricultural damage is also significant, with 1,581 hectares of Aman rice and 136 hectares of vegetable crops destroyed.

Authorities are working to address the situation. The Jessore Water Development Board has deployed four pumps to mitigate waterlogging, and a Tk 47.65 crore project is underway to permanently resolve the issue.