Coastal areas along the Meghna River in Chandpur have been flooded due to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal. Tidal water levels have risen by nearly three feet above normal.
As a result, roads, ponds, and residential areas in the affected regions have been inundated.
According to the Water Development Board, the Meghna’s water is flowing four centimetres above the danger level during high tide.
The water level of the Meghna began rising around 3:30 pm on Friday (July 25). At that time, the river’s water increased along the coastal areas of Chandpur Sadar and Haimchar upazilas. In addition, in the Puran Bazar area near the city protection embankment, the river water has reached road level. As of today, Saturday (July 26), the high tide condition remains unchanged.
Rafiqul Islam and Bhulu, traders from the Ronagoyal area of Puran Bazar in the city, said the water level was slightly lower on Friday morning. From the afternoon, wave intensity increased along with strong winds, causing water to enter their shops. Due to the water, they had to move their goods.
Monir Sheikh, a resident of the Harina ferry terminal area in Haimchar Union, Sadar upazila, said the water has reached road level at the terminal area. Low-lying roads in the surrounding areas have also been submerged.
Yusuf Gazi, a resident of Bakharpur village in neighbouring Chandra Union and former general secretary of the union BNP, said all houses, roads, and ponds outside the irrigation project area have been flooded. He has a pond used for fish farming, and water is now flowing over it.
He added that the water level began rising as the wind intensified. This will damage both fish farms and paved roads.
Md Mizanur Rahman, Assistant Fisheries Officer of Sadar upazila, said they are contacting fish farmers outside the irrigation project areas to warn them to take precautions to protect their fish.
Ashraful Haque, Senior Fisheries Officer of Haimchar upazila, said that fish farmers were warned during this month’s meeting. They were informed that water levels would rise from July 24 to 28. Despite this, the upazila fisheries department has also taken initiatives to issue further warnings to fishers.
Shah Md Shoaib, a senior observer at the Chandpur Meteorological Office, said a warning was issued predicting that tidal waters may rise one to three feet above normal due to the low-pressure system.
Md Zahurul Haque, Executive Engineer of the Water Development Board in Chandpur, said they are aware of the rising river water. Their officials remain alert. Although the water level of the Meghna has increased, it does not remain high for long. On Friday afternoon, Meghna’s water flowed four centimetres above the danger level during high tide.
SMS/
