Incessant rains and upstream water surges have submerged seven out of 13 upazilas in Sylhet, leaving more than 500,000 people stranded. “Approximately 533,202 individuals are marooned, with 42 unions affected,” announced Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Sheikh Russel Hasan on Friday.
Authorities have prepared 547 shelters to accommodate the displaced, with 4,802 people already taking refuge. The worst-hit upazilas include Zakiganj, Jaintiapur, Gowainghat, Companiganj, and Kanaighat.
“We are closely monitoring the situation,” stated Deputy Commissioner Hasan. “Flood victims are being rescued, relocated to shelters, and provided with relief materials.” Medical teams have been deployed, and dry and cooked food, as well as fresh water, are being distributed.
In Bianibazar upazila, the flood situation has deteriorated, marooning about 20,000 people across five unions. Rising water levels of the Surma and Kushiara rivers have caused extensive damage to cattle farms and fish enclosures.
The Sylhet Meteorological Office recorded 61mm of rain from Thursday morning to Friday morning. Water levels of the Surma River are 99cm above the danger level at Kanaighat, and the Kushiara River is 209cm above the danger level at Amalsid.
A Sylhet District Disaster Management Committee meeting has been convened to address the crisis. Deputy Commissioner Hasan and other officials are actively monitoring the affected areas, ensuring timely response and support.
Gowainghat Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Touhidul Islam reported that 75% of the upazila is inundated, with 300 people taking shelter in the 56 prepared facilities as of Friday morning.
