Aftab Feni Correspondent:At least 15 locations of the flood control dams of the Kahua, Mahuri, and Silonia rivers in Feni had been burst due to ongoing rains and the Indian upstream, allowing water to enter the areas. Thousands of families have been left stranded and suffering as a result of this flooding in around 30 villages in the upazilas of Fulgazi and Parashuram. Furthermore, water has flooded roads, ponds, fish pens, and poultry farms located in the low-lying regions of Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, Daganbhuiyan, and Chagalnaiya upazilas.
The district meteorological office said that 539 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in Feni in the last 48 hours (from 9 am on July 7 to 9 am on July 9). According to the data from the Parshuram gauge station of the Water Development Board, the water level of the Muhuri River was 6.97 meters at 6 am on July 8, which rose to 13.85 meters at 8 pm. Since the danger level is 12.55 meters, it is flowing about 130 centimeters above it. It decreased slightly at 9 am on Wednesday and came down to 13.31 meters. However, the water is flowing above the danger level.
As the water flowed above the danger level for a long time, flood water entered through the Bangladesh-India junction at the zero point of Parashuram upazila on the right bank of the Muhuri river. Several erosions have occurred in Parashuram and Fulgazi upazilas on both banks of the Muhuri, Kahua and Silonia rivers. The most erosion has occurred in Parashuram. Dams have broken in various areas including Jangalgona, Uttar Shaldhar, Noapur, West Alka, Sahebnagar, Gadanagar, Berabaria, Satkuchia, Teteshwar. Dams have also broken in Derpara, Sreepur, Daulatpur and Kamua in Fulgazi upazila.
The flood has damaged the district’s electricity system. In various places in Feni Sadar, Sonagazi, Parashuram, Fulgazi and Chagalnaiya upazilas, electric meters and substations are under water, and in some places, the soil has moved away from the base of the poles, creating a risk. Power supply has been shut down to avoid accidents.
A flood-affected person from Mirzanagar said that due to the negligence of the officials of the Water Development Board, the entrance to the Ballamukha dam was not closed. If it had been closed on time, there would have been no opportunity for water to enter. Every year, the lives of ordinary people are disrupted due to the irresponsible actions of some officials.
Parshuram Upazila Executive Officer Arifur Rahman said that 15 villages in the upazila have been flooded so far. If the situation worsens, there is a risk of flooding new areas. Shelters have been opened for flood victims.
Fulgazi Upazila Executive Officer Fahria Islam said that more than a hundred people in this upazila have taken shelter in shelters. Dry food and cooked food have been arranged for them. Besides, schools and colleges have been provided with food.
The ongoing half-yearly exams have been postponed.
Akter Hossain, executive engineer of the Water Development Board, said that the water level in the river is still above the danger level. If the rains continue in the Tripura region of India, the situation may worsen. There is a risk of another dam breach.
District Meteorological Office Officer-in-Charge Mojibur Rahman said moderate to heavy rainfall is likely to continue in various parts of the district on Wednesday and Thursday, which could further worsen the flood situation.
Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said that a total of 131 educational institutions have been prepared as shelters in Fulgazi and Parashuram. Of these, about 150 people have taken shelter. 6.5 lakh taka has been allocated to help the victims. In addition, a control room has been opened to monitor the situation around the clock.
