Nearly 20,000 people have been stranded by flood waters in the island upazila Monpura of Bhola district after 10 consecutive days of heavy rainfall and high tides caused widespread water-logging across the region. The prolonged inundation has left thousands of low-income families without work, triggering an acute food shortage. Residents are also facing growing concerns over access to safe drinking water, sanitation facilities and increased risk of waterborne diseases.
Impact on Livelihoods and Daily Life
Heavy rainfall and unusually high tides continued across the coastal belt yesterday, further worsening the situation. Knee to waist deep water has disrupted the normal movement in many areas, while businesses, educational institutions and daily activities have come to a standstill as residents remain confined to their homes. Day laborers, fishermen, rickshaw pullers and small traders have been among the hardest hit, as continuous rainfall has prevented them from earning a livelihood. Many families have reported being unable to prepare regular meals and have appealed for emergency supplies of dry food, rice, lentils and pure drinking water.
Infrastructure and Health Concerns
Field observations indicate that inadequate drainage infrastructure has significantly worsened the flooding. Water has entered homes and courtyards, forcing some families to raise earthen cooking platforms inside their houses, while others have taken shelter with neighbors or on higher ground. The flooding has also submerged many tube wells, creating shortages of safe drinking water and raising fears of outbreaks of diarrhea, fever, skin diseases and other waterborne illnesses, particularly among the children, elderly people and pregnant women.
Residents' Complaints and Government Response
Residents from Hajirhat, South Sakuchia, North Sakuchia and Monpura unions blamed the situation on inadequate drainage planning during the embankment construction. They alleged that several sluice gates have remained inoperative for years, while many canals have been encroached upon, preventing rainwater from draining quickly. They demanded immediate repairs to sluice gates, dredging of canals and the establishment of an effective drainage system. Local residents urged the government to provide emergency relief, including food, drinking water and medical assistance, while also calling for long-term measures such as renovating sluice gates, removing illegal canal encroachments and implementing a comprehensive drainage management system.
Official Statements and Future Actions
Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board (WDB) division-2, Md. Asaf Uddoula, said the authorities are continuing drainage operations despite the natural disaster. Meanwhile, lawmaker from Bhola-4 constituency and General Secretary of the central committee of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal Md. Nurul Islam Nayan said a list of flood-affected families is being prepared and a demi-official (D.O.) letter will be submitted to the Minister for Disaster Management and Relief on Sunday seeking comprehensive assistance and rehabilitation support. Monpura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Abu Musa said they have been working with elected representatives and residents to address the water-logging and support affected communities. Bhola Deputy Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman assured that the district administration remains on high alert to ensure that no affected family is deprived of assistance.
