Road links to Sajek, Longadu cut off as flood hits Khagrachhari

DIGHINALA, KHAGRACHHARI, July 8: Road communication between Dighinala and Sajek, as well as Dighinala and Longadu, has been suspended after rising floodwaters submerged key sections of the roads following days of heavy rainfall.

The Dighinala-Sajek-Longadu road was cut off after floodwater inundated the Baicha Merung steel bridge and adjoining road in Merung Union.

The Dighinala-Sajek road also became impassable as the swelling Maini River submerged sections of the Kavakhali main road.

The river's rising water level has flooded low-lying areas of Kavakhali and Merung unions, triggering floods and forcing residents to seek shelter. More than 200 families have taken refuge at designated shelters, according to local authorities.

Despite the heavy rainfall, no landslides have been reported in the upazila so far.

Merung Union Parishad Chairman Mina Chakma said Dighinala is one of the worst flood-prone upazilas in the district and prolonged rainfall has inundated vast low-lying areas.

He said several families have already taken shelter at Chhoto Merung Government Primary School, while more flood-affected residents are continuing to arrive at different shelters.

Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanzil Parvez said the upazila administration has formed a disaster response team to deal with the situation. Local public representatives have been instructed to ensure that flood shelters remain open and ready to receive displaced residents.

Medical teams, members of the Fire Service and Civil Defence, and volunteers from the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society have also been kept on standby to respond to any emergency.