Flash floods triggered by breaches along the Muhuri, Kuhua, and Silonia rivers have submerged at least least 85 villages in Fulgazi Upazila, displacing thousands of people and submerging homes and crop fields.
According to the Water Development Board, breaches have occurred at 10 points along the Muhuri River, six along the Kuhua, and five along the Silonia, with new breaches reported in Anandapur (Fulgazi), and Rejumiya, Betaka, and Satra areas of Chhagalnaiya on Wednesday night.
Locals were awakened before dawn by the sound of rushing water as the Muhuri, Kahua, and Selonia rivers overflowed. Within minutes, entire homes and croplands were submerged.
“We couldn’t save anything,” said Mannan Miah, 38, a resident of Fulgazi. “The water rose to our chest before we even understood what was happening.”
Local authorities report that nearly 20,000 people have sought refuge in makeshift shelters across Fulgazi, Parshuram, Chhagalnaiya, and Feni Sadar. However, residents believe the real number is far higher.
The floodwaters also submerged key roads, including the main highway connecting Feni to Parshuram, which is currently covered by several feet of water.
Officials say embankments have collapsed in more than 20 locations, worsening the situation.
Abdur Rahim, a local farmer who lost both his home and fish pond to the flood, alleged that relief efforts have been slow to reach many affected areas. Several shelters are struggling with shortages of clean water, food, and medicine.
Members of the Bangladesh Army have been distributing dry food packages to flood-affected people. Despite these efforts, continued rainfall and upstream water flow from India pose a new threat of rising waters.
As night falls, long queues form at relief centers for dry food packets.
“This is the second time in a row we’ve lost everything,” said Shefali Akter, her voice trembling with emotion.
For now, Fulgazi remains submerged—waiting not only for the waters to recede but also for stability and support in rebuilding what has been lost.
Officials estimate that more than 50,000 people are currently marooned across four upazilas of the district.
Md Mojibur Rahman, acting officer at Feni met office, said the district has experienced continuous moderate to heavy rainfall for four days.
In the past 24 hours till 3pm Thursday, 63.1 millimeters of rainfall was recorded and light rain is likely to continue into Friday.
The Feni Power Distribution Board and Rural Electrification Board reported that electricity supply remains suspended in many flooded areas and businesses as meters and substations have been submerged. Restoration will depend on safety and water levels.
Parshuram Palli Bidyut Deputy General Manager Md Sohel Akhtar said about 60% of the area’s 33,000 power consumers have been cut off. Full restoration will take time due to damage to the power lines.
Abul Kashem, sub-divisional engineer at the Water Development Board, said water levels were about two meters below the danger level at 1pm Thursday but flooding continues through the breaches. Repairs will begin once the water recedes.
Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam said more than 100,000 people are now affected in Parshuram, Fulgazi, Chhagalnaiya and Feni Sadar.
The Army has been deployed to assist with rescue and relief, and Tk 17 lakh has been allocated for emergency relief across six upazilas, he said.
As of 1pm Thursday, the Bangladesh Army began rescue operations using speedboats. Relief and rescue efforts are being expanded across the affected areas in phases, according to an army source.