Water levels in the Meghna and Tetulia rivers have risen significantly due to the impact of Cyclone ‘Shakti’, submerging low-lying areas of Char Fasson Upazila under 4 to 5 feet of water.
As a result, numerous remote island villages, including Dhal Char, Char Motahar, Char Mainka, Kalmi, and Char Kukri Mukri, along with nearly 50 disconnected islets, have gone underwater, leaving thousands of people stranded. Continuous rainfall has further worsened the situation, causing widespread waterlogging.
According to the Bhola Meteorological Department, 55 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the past 24 hours as of Thursday (May 29).
Local sources said that during high tide on Thursday, river water surged 4–5 feet above normal levels. From early morning, heavy rainfall affected the entire Char Fasson area. Panic spread among residents as news broke late at night of an embankment breach in the Khejurgachhia area of Hazariganj Union. With the embankment weakened, local village police and political activists have been trying to move residents to safer shelter centers. While some have managed to evacuate, a large number of people remain trapped by floodwaters.
The coastal areas, including Char Kukri Mukri, Mujib Nagar, Char Patila, and Dhal Char, located between the Meghna and Tetulia rivers, have been submerged under nearly 5 feet of water, causing severe hardship for residents. Strong winds and tidal surges have placed approximately 6.4 kilometers of embankments at high risk. In addition, launch services on seven river routes have been suspended since morning, and fishermen have taken their boats and trawlers to safety.
Sohel Rana, a resident of Dhal Char, said river erosion has intensified along with the tidal waves. Many residents have started relocating their homes, and fish traders from Dhal Char market have faced extreme difficulties in removing their shops. Jahangir Hawlader, another local resident, reported that around 100 houses were damaged in Dhal Char and Char Nizam.
Since Wednesday evening (May 27), the entire Char Fasson region has been without electricity due to storm damage. Trees have fallen, damaging power poles and transmission lines. This has also disrupted telecommunication services. Mobile internet and network connectivity are down in many areas. Md. Mizanur Rahman, the zonal officer of Char Fasson, said power supply was deliberately cut in many areas due to strong winds. Trees have fallen in various places, disrupting supply lines under the Rural Electrification Board’s jurisdiction. Power will be restored once the wind speed decreases.
Md. Yusuf, executive engineer, said that stormy winds are causing frequent power line tripping. Rain-soaked trees falling onto wires are causing automatic shutdowns. Heavy rain has also affected operations at the Borhanuddin Power Plant. Despite harsh weather, workers are trying to maintain service.
A field visit to Betua Launch Terminal, Hazariganj, and Jahanpur Unions on Friday afternoon showed widespread flooding of low-lying areas outside embankments. Over a hundred boats anchored at the ghats, homes, fish farms, and ponds have gone underwater. According to the Executive Engineer of Char Fasson Water Development Board-02, water levels have risen significantly compared to previous days, but have not yet crossed the danger mark.
Char Fasson Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rasna Sharmin Mithi stated that full preparations have been made to address the cyclone threat.A total of 256 cyclone shelters have been made ready, with more than 300 volunteers deployed.
She, along with former Upazila Jubo Dal president Dipu Faraji, visited the vulnerable embankment at Khejurgachhia and spoke with residents.
Notably, in the char areas of Dhal Char, Char Kukri Mukri, and Mujib Nagar—emerging islands located between the Meghna and Tetulia rivers—there are no permanent embankments or adequate cyclone shelters.
This leaves residents in extreme danger during floods and storm surges.
LND/BG
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