Around 10,000 residents of Baghaichhari upazila in Rangamati are stranded as rising water levels in the Kachalong River, driven by torrential rains and upstream water, have inundated low-lying areas. The flooding has disrupted communication between six unions and the upazila headquarters.
A student, Krittiva Chakma, went missing after being swept away by the Kachalong River in the Narikel Bagan area on Tuesday afternoon and has yet to be found.
The flood-affected villages include Sadar, Barbindu Ghat, Master Para, West Muslim Block, Lailya Ghona, Uluchhari, F Block, Rupkari, and Old Marishya. The upazila administration has opened 55 shelters for those affected, where hundreds have sought refuge. The Baghaichhari municipality and upazila administration are providing food to the evacuees.
Local sources reported that fish from hundreds of ponds have been washed away, and crops have suffered severe damage. While river levels have slightly receded, it will take time for the situation to return to normal.
Md Gias Uddin, General Secretary of Baghaichhari Press Club, confirmed that approximately 10,000 people remain marooned. Baghaichhari Sadar still has knee-deep water, causing significant hardship for residents.
Baghaichhari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Shirin Akhter stated that the water has not yet receded and that the upazila administration is continuing to support the victims. The displaced people are being served khichuri twice a day at the shelters.
The Chittagong Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education has postponed Thursday’s HSC examination at Kachalong Government Degree College Centre in Baghaichhari due to the flood situation. The English 1st paper examination has been rescheduled, according to a letter sent to the Rangamati deputy commissioner on Wednesday.
