Incessant rainfall over the past two days, coupled with high tides triggered by a low-pressure system and the active monsoon, has inundated low-lying areas in Jhalakathi district. The flooding has caused significant damage to agricultural land and raised fears of substantial losses to Aman paddy seedbeds.
Rising River Levels
The rising water levels of the Sugandha and Bishkhali rivers have flooded vast stretches of farmland. Residents living along the riverbanks are facing fears of erosion. From Monday morning until today’s afternoon, the district remained under overcast skies with intermittent lightning and heavy showers. The combined effect of rainfall and tidal surges caused the water levels in the Sugandha and Bishkhali rivers to rise by approximately 1.5 to 2 feet above normal, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas.
Impact on Agriculture
A visit to affected areas found that water from the Bishkhali River had reached embankments in several locations, submerging riverside roads and croplands. The flooding has disrupted the movement of local residents, particularly daily wage earners. Farmers cultivating Aman paddy are among the worst affected. Many seedbeds have already gone under water and growers fear that prolonged flooding could completely destroy seedlings prepared for transplantation.
Resident Concerns and Official Responses
Residents living along the riverbanks said they are worried as whenever heavy rainfall and rising river levels occur, fearing river erosion could wash away their homes at any time. They called on the authorities to construct embankments to protect vulnerable communities. Fresh erosion threats have also emerged in the Char Bhatarakanda area along the Bishkhali River. In parts of Baruia village under Rajapur upazila, the Water Development Board has attempted to curb erosion by dumping geo-bags at vulnerable points. However, local residents say the measures are insufficient.
Proposed Solutions
Executive Engineer of the Jhalakathi Water Development Board Niloy Pasha said a proposal for constructing a 22-kilometre embankment along the Bishkhali River has been sent to Dhaka for approval under a project estimated to cost Taka 20 billion. The project aims to protect riverbank communities at Rajapur and Kathalia upazilas from erosion.
Educational and Agricultural Impacts
Head Teacher Nurunnahar Begum of Jhalakathi Shahi Model Government Primary School said the student attendance had declined over the past two days, with pre-primary and first-grade students particularly affected by the adverse weather. Deputy Director of the Jhalakathi Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) Md. Abdullah Al-Mamun said the department had received reports of damage to Aman seedbeds caused by flooding in low-lying areas. Officials are assessing the extent of the damage and assistance will be provided to the affected farmers to prepare new seedbeds if necessary.
Political and Community Response
Lawmaker from Jhalakathi-1 constituency Rafiqul Islam Jamal said he had urged the Minister for Water Resources to take effective measures to prevent erosion along the Bishkhali River. Emergency funds have already been allocated, he said, adding that the farmers who have lost Aman seedbeds will receive support through the DAE.
