Continuous rainfall and upstream water flow have once again inundated the Bhabadah area in Abhaynagar upazila in Jashore, leaving hundreds of families stranded.
The heavy rains have affected agricultural land, submerging vegetable and paddy fields, while fish enclosures have been washed away, worsening the situation.
Locals report that several low-lying areas of Nawapara Municipality’s Wards No. 5 and 8, including Prembagh, Sundali, Chalishia, and Payra unions, are now submerged.
In addition to the flooding, there are growing concerns about illegal activities obstructing water flow. Residents have accused local influential people of installing illegal nets and fences in canals and rivers, which have caused a significant accumulation of mud, worsening the waterlogging.
Owners of fish enclosures have also been trying to salvage their stock by placing sandbags to trap fish, further disrupting the natural flow of water.
Sharmin Begum, a resident of Sarkhola village, said “We have to cross bamboo bridges to get to our homes. We’ve been trapped in this waterlogging for over a week, but we haven’t received any help from the government.”
Another local, Lalita Rani Biswas from Dumurtala village, expressed frustration, saying, “This has been a constant issue in Bhabadah for as long as I can remember. Governments come and go, but the problem of waterlogging remains unsolved.”
Delbar, a fish farm owner in Kota village, shared the impact on his business, saying, “Two of my fish enclosures, spanning 300 bighas, have been washed away, causing a loss of fish worth around Tk 50 lakh.”
The agricultural impact has also been significant. Abhaynagar Upazila Agriculture Officer Lovely Khatun confirmed that 129 hectares of farmland have been submerged, including 25 hectares of Aush paddy, 45 hectares of Aman paddy, 58 hectares of vegetables, and 1 hectare of chili.
Without proper water drainage, farmers are facing the risk of severe losses.
Fisheries in the area have also been severely affected. Aminul Haque, the senior fisheries officer of Abhaynagar Upazila, reported that 284 fish enclosures, covering 225 hectares, in several unions including Payra, Chalishia, and Sridharpur, have been washed away due to the torrential rains. However, he could not provide an estimate of the financial losses.
Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Mushfiqur Rahman assured that senior officials have been informed about the waterlogging situation. “Necessary measures will be taken once we receive further instructions,” he said.
In response to the crisis, Abhaynagar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Parthapratim Sheel confirmed that relief efforts are underway.
“We are preparing to provide assistance to families stranded in the waterlogged areas of Bhabadah,” he said. He also emphasised that action would be taken against those responsible for obstructing the natural flow of water, adding that the Water Development Board is working on the renovation of the Amdanga Canal to alleviate future waterlogging issues.
The situation remains dire as residents continue to wait for government intervention and long-term solutions to the ongoing flooding crisis in Bhabadah.