The flood situation in Noakhali has significantly worsened due to relentless torrential rains, insufficient modern drainage systems, and severe waterlogging caused by canal encroachment. The overflowing of the Muhuri River, triggered by a week of continuous rainfall, has left almost all upazilas, including Noakhali municipality, submerged.
The district has recorded 71 mm of rainfall in the past 24 hours, further exacerbating the flooding across seven upazilas, where nearly two million people are now waterlogged. Rural roads, crop fields, and fish farms have been severely affected, with ponds and farm-raised fish washed away by the floodwaters.
Residents attribute the worsening situation to the inadequate drainage system in the district, with many criticizing the municipal authorities for their failure to address the long-standing waterlogging issues. The poor quality of existing drains has been unable to manage even light rain, let alone the current deluge. As a result, over 26,000 families in 13 unions of Noakhali Sadar Upazila are now trapped in waterlogged conditions, with many surviving on dry food as their homes, including kitchens, have been completely submerged.
The flood has also disrupted the lives of daily wage earners, laborers, and livestock farmers, with many struggling to provide for their animals. The district administration has closed all educational institutions, and vehicular movement on rural roads has been suspended, further adding to the hardship faced by commuters.
During a recent visit, it was observed that knee-deep water has infiltrated many homes, including kitchens, rendering cooking impossible for many families. The accumulation of garbage in drains has mixed with the floodwater, spreading germs and causing illness among children and the elderly.
Deputy Commissioner Dewan Mahbubur Rahman reported that water from the Muhuri River in Feni has begun flowing into Noakhali, with no immediate relief in sight as the water is expected to flow through Lakshmipur. The district administration is providing assistance to those affected by the flood and plans to hold an emergency meeting to manage the ongoing crisis.
