Photo: Bonik Barta The situation in Akhaura is severe, with over 34 villages
submerged. Heavy rainfall and mountain runoff from India have worsened the
flood situation in the low-lying areas of Akhaura Upazila in the border
district of Brahmanbaria. The water level has been rising since Wednesday night
(August 21). As a result, more than 34 villages in the four unions of Akhaura
North, South, Mogra, and Moniyand are submerged. At least 500 families from
various other areas are also affected by the flooding.
The floodwaters damaged
paddy fields, vegetable crops, and various fish farms. According to local and
administrative sources, heavy rainfall began in Akhaura on Tuesday night. In
the morning, water started flowing at a high rate from India through the canal
running beside the port. Eventually, water inundated at least 34 villages,
including those in Stalbandar, Bautala, Birchandrapur, Kalikapur, Bongerchar,
and Saheb Nagar. The temporary bridge in the Gazirbazar area was also destroyed.
Previously, water
started to enter the area when parts of the embankment of the Howrah River in
Khalapara were breached. Upon receiving the news, the Upazila Executive Officer
(UNO), Ghazala Parveen Ruhi, visited the affected areas. Executive Engineer
Monjurul Alam of the District Water Development Board reported that the water
levels in the Howrah River and Jaji Canal, among other rivers, are near the
danger mark. If they exceed this level, additional areas may become flooded.
UNO Ghazala Parveen said
that the community is coming together in this time of need. Dry food
arrangements have been made for the affected people. Additionally, relief will
be distributed among the victims as soon as the district administration
receives the allocated aid.
Sushant Saha, Deputy
Director of the District Agriculture
Extension Office, reported that 195 hectares of vegetable fields, 122 hectares
of aman seedbeds, and 3440 hectares of transplanted aman rice fields are
submerged due to the mountain runoff. If the water recedes quickly, the
potential damage may be minimized. However, if the water persists for a longer
period, the damage could increase. A final report on the damage will be
prepared after one week.
