Flashflood hits Khagrachhari after torrential rain; many families stranded

A sudden flashflood and waterlogging hit several parts of Khagrachhari district following torrential overnight rain, leaving many families marooned.

The water levels of the Chengi and Maini rivers rose sharply, inundating several low-lying areas of the district.

Heavy rain that continued for several hours from Friday midnight until Saturday morning triggered hill runoff in Sadar and Dighinala upazilas, and other parts of the district.

According to the Dighinala weather observation centre, 103 millimetres of rainfall was recorded there in 24 hours.

Rising water in the Chengi River flooded several low-lying areas of Sadar upazila, including Muslimpara, Bottoli, Kaladeba, Ganjpara, Footbil and Khobongporya.

As water levels rose suddenly, many residents were forced to leave their homes and take shelter in higher areas and on roads. Houses, livestock and poultry were also affected by the flooding.

Meanwhile, rising water in the Maini River inundated Nilmonchal, Merung and other areas of Dighinala.

Parts of several roads, including both sides of the Dighinala Chowmuhani Steel Bridge, went underwater. However, vehicular movement on the affected roads was continuing normally.

A landslide at the 8-mile area of the Khagrachhari-Dighinala road also temporarily disrupted traffic. Fire Service personnel and local residents removed the soil, restoring road communication around 9:00am.

Local residents said they have not witnessed such a sudden flood in the area in several years.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Anowar Sadat said arrangements were being made to provide dry food and shelter to the flood-affected people.

He said the situation is being monitored and necessary assistance will be provided based on the needs of the affected communities.