Breaches in 14 spots of Feni flood control embankments, 30 villages under water

Breaches have been found in at least 14 locations of the flood control embankments along the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia rivers in Feni due to rushes of water from upstream and heavy rainfall.

This has resulted in the inundation of at least 30 villages in the Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas of the district, leaving thousands of people stranded by the floodwaters.

Local administration and Water Development Board sources reported that new areas continued to be submerged until around 1:30 am on Wednesday (July 9). As the embankments collapsed, water quickly entered residential areas. In Parshuram upazila, two embankments broke in Jangalghona, three in Alaka village, one in Shaldhar area, three in Gadanagar and Satkuchia, and one in Berabaria. In Fulgazi upazila, breaches were spotted at four locations in Uttar Sreepur, Derpara, and Daulatpur.

Nahida Sultana, a resident of Modhyam Dhonikunda area, said, “Water started entering the house after evening. I took some belongings and went up to the roof for shelter. Last year, everything was ruined by the water. This year, it’s the same suffering again.”

Abul Kashem, Deputy Divisional Engineer of the Water Development Board, said, “The Muhuri River is crossing its danger level following heavy rains and hilly runoff. Although it receded slightly after midnight, there’s still a risk of further erosion due to continued rainfall upstream.”

Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said, “131 educational institutions in Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas have been kept ready as shelters. Around 150 people have already arrived at the shelters. Tk 6,50,000 has been allocated for their food and other assistance. A control room has been opened by the district administration to manage the situation.”