Md Solaiman Akash, Fatikchhari ( Chattogram)

Five days of continuous heavy rainfall coupled with an onrush of mountain runoff from upstream has triggered widespread flood apprehensions across Fatikchhari upazila. The Halda River is currently flowing above the danger mark, causing water to submerge various low-lying areas and posing severe erosion threats along multiple riverbanks and canals.

Floodwaters have already inundated rural roads and homestead yards in several unions, including Lealang, Suabil, Paindong, Sundarpur, Baktopur, Jafratnagar, Harualchhari, Dharmapur, and Samiti. Local residents are facing immense suffering as crucial thoroughfares, such as the Nazirhat-Kazirhat road in Suabil, the Fatikchhari-Rauzan road, the Khoiratipara road in Harualchhari, and the Fakirachan area road in Paindong, have been completely submerged.

Meanwhile, active riverbank erosion has commenced along the Halda River in the Harighata area of Sundarpur and along the Dhurong Canal in Fatikchhari municipality. Vast stretches of low-lying plains have been inundated, and locals fear the situation could deteriorate drastically if the heavy downpour persists. Aside from the Halda, water levels in other prominent local canals and waterbodies—including the Dhurong, Lealang, Kutubchhari, Barmasia, Gajaria, Shovanchhari, and Sarta—are rising rapidly, threatening to overflow into newer territories.

In response to the looming disaster, the upazila administration has prepared 21 educational institutions to serve as emergency shelter centers. Orders have been issued to stockpile dry food, pure drinking water, essential medicines, and other emergency relief supplies at these designated venues.

Fatikchhari UNO Sayed Mohammad Ibrahim stated that the local administration is monitoring the situation around the clock. He urged residents living along vulnerable riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain highly vigilant and strictly follow administrative safety guidelines.