Mohammad Selim, Noakhali
Heavy rains and abnormal tides in Hatiya, an isolated island upazila of Noakhali, have flooded vast areas, disrupting public life. Residents of the coastal areas are in extreme distress as homes, crop fields, fish ponds and roads have been submerged in the tidal water. Farmers are also fearing extensive damage to their crops.

Locals said that most of the areas of seven unions of Hatya have been submerged due to continuous rain and tidal water. Tamaraddi, Sukhchar, Jahajmara and Nalchira unions have been the most affected. Houses, kitchens, courtyards, rural roads and fish ponds in these areas have been submerged in water. As a result, low-income and daily wage earners are unemployed and living in inhuman conditions. Not only the mainland, but also vast areas of Nijhum Dwip, Damarchar, Dhalchar, Chargasia, Naler Char, Boyar Char, Char Ataur and Moulvir Char have also been flooded with tidal water. This has further increased the suffering of the people of the char areas.

Local resident Alauddin Alo said, "On one hand, there is tidal water, on the other hand, most of the areas of Hatya are under water due to heavy rains. Low-income people are in the worst trouble. Many people have not been able to cook on the stove for the last two days due to water rising in their kitchens. So far, we have not received any cooperation from the administration."

The District Meteorological Office said that 104 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Noakhali in 24 hours yesterday.

Hatia Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Russell Iqbal said, "Various low-lying areas have been flooded due to rain and tidal water. This has caused waterlogging in some areas. 11 teams are working on the ground on behalf of the administration to deal with the situation. Food items have already been distributed among 500-600 people. Our various activities to deal with the situation are still ongoing."