A vast tract of low-lying areas in Noakhali district have been submerged due to an unusual tidal surge.
On Saturday, powerful tides caused flooding in parts of Musapur and Char Elahi unions of Companiganj, as well as in Nijhum Dwip and other low-lying areas of Hatiya.
Erosion has also occurred in several places, putting over one hundred houses at risk.
River erosion had intensified in the Tankir Ghat and Chairman Ghat areas of the upazila, prompting local residents to relocate more than 50 homes, according to reports.
Due to a depression formed in the Bay of Bengal, an unusual tidal surge has been flowing through the Meghna River in Hatiya, an island upazila.
District Meteorological Officer Md. Rafiqul Islam said that due to the depression in the Bay of Bengal, gusty winds and drizzles are affecting the coastal regions. In the last 24 hours, Noakhali has recorded 51 mm of rainfall.
He added, “Under the current circumstances, fishing boats and trawlers have been advised to stay close to the coast until further notice.”
Hatiya Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Alauddin stated that several villages in the unions of Sukhchar, Sonadia, and Nijhum Dwip are submerged under water, with water levels reaching 2–3 feet in some areas.
A part of a flood protection embankment in Sukhchar collapsed on Friday, leading to inundation.
Local residents reported that on Friday morning, the main road of Nijhum Dwip was completely submerged by the tide. The Namar Bazar area of the island was also flooded, and many business establishments were affected.
Fish from several local ponds were washed away. Additionally, several villages in Nalchira, Sonadia, and Sukhchar unions were flooded due to the high tide.
The tidal surge has flooded many homes, croplands, and roads, causing hardship for thousands of families. Wildlife in Nijhum Dwip National Park, including deer, is now facing life-threatening conditions in this extreme weather.
Several areas of Maijdee town in the district are experiencing waterlogging. Locals said the situation has worsened due to clogged drains and canals in Noakhali municipality, preventing the water from draining properly.