Flooding worsens in Cumilla's Brahmanpara as 3 rivers breach dams

The flooding in Brahmanpara, Cumilla, has reached alarming levels as dams along three rivers—Gomti, Salda, and Ghunghur—have collapsed, allowing floodwaters to inundate the area.

While the entry of water from the Gomti River into the Burichang area was expected, the breach of dams along the Salda and Ghunghur rivers has exacerbated the situation, reports UNB.

This has severely impacted the region, submerging roads and cutting off communication.

SM Azharul Islam, Brahmanpara Upazila chief executive officer, or UNO, described the situation as dire.

“Water from the Salda and Ghunghur rivers is flooding the Upazila at high speeds. The flooding has now become severe.”

As of now, 14 Upazilas in the district have been reported flooded by the district administration.

With the Gomti's water still above the danger level, new areas are being inundated daily, leaving residents scrambling for safety.

Many have abandoned their homes, seeking refuge in safer areas, as floodwaters continue to rise across the region.

Khan Mohammad Waliuzzaman, the executive engineer of the Cumilla Water Development Board, said the water level of Gomti remains 42cm above the danger mark as of Monday afternoon.

“Repairing the dams is impossible until the water level recedes, and until then, new areas will continue to flood,” he added.

Currently, more than 70,000 people are stranded in Brahmanpara, according to UNO Azharul.

“Rescue operations are ongoing with the help of the Upazila administration, social organisations, journalists, and volunteers.”

“Around 8,000 families have already been evacuated to shelters, where food and safe drinking water are being provided,” he added.

Ataur Rahman, a resident of Brahmanpara Sadar, said: “We haven’t seen such flooding in the past 20 years. Water is everywhere, both inside and outside our homes.”

The most critical situation has emerged in Burichang Upazila, where the breach of the Gomti River dam has caused a constant influx of water into the area.

As a result, new areas are being flooded, and over 100,000 people remain stranded, facing an acute shortage of clean drinking water.

Field reports indicate that around 11:45pm on Aug 22, a 30-foot section of the Gomti River dam collapsed in the Burichang’s Sholonal union, leading to the rapid flooding of the entire Upazila within hours.

The floodwaters have submerged all roads, crippling the Upazila’s communication system.

The flood has also reached the Upazila Health Complex, further complicating the situation.

The Upazila administration, along with volunteers and members of social organisations, is conducting rescue operations to bring the stranded people to safety.

Due to a shortage of boats, makeshift rafts made from drums have been brought in from Dhaka to continue the rescue efforts.

Although dry food and safe water are being provided to those in shelters, the supply is insufficient, adding to the hardship faced by the affected people.

Sahida Akter, Burichang Upazila chief executive officer, or UNO, said: “The flood situation in my Upazila is worsening day by day. A large number of people are currently stranded, but we are trying our best. We have also arranged food and clean water for them.”

Meanwhile, a severe shortage of boats is hampering relief distribution across the district, leaving many flood-affected people without essential supplies.

In several areas, people living on higher ground are taking advantage of the situation by intercepting relief supplies, depriving those in dire need.

In the remote areas of the flood-hit Upazilas, the lack of relief has caused widespread suffering.

RELIEF SHORTAGES IN MONOHARGANJ, NANGALKOT

The water level of the Dakatiya River has risen in the southern upazilas of Monoharganj, Laksam, and Nangalkot in the district.

Continuous rain since Sunday night has left the people in these areas living in fear.

A field report on Monday, revealed that many shelters in Monoharganj Upazila are underwater. Most remote areas of this Upazila and Nangalkot Upazila are yet to receive relief aid.

There is widespread despair due to the lack of relief and a severe shortage of clean drinking water.

Although water levels have slightly decreased in Chauddagram, people are still enduring severe hardship due to the lack of relief supplies and clean drinking water.

On Monday, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Muhammed Mushfiqur Rahman said severe flooding has affected 14 Upazilas in the district.

So far, 951,109 people are stranded, while 66,966 have taken refuge in shelters. All educational institutions in the affected areas have been designated as shelters.

“Dry food, saline, and medicines are being distributed among the flood-affected people. Relief distribution is ongoing.”

“We are keeping a close watch and are working to rescue those trapped by the floods,” he added.

FARMERS’ TEARS IN BRAHMANPARA

The floodwaters have devastated farmers in Brahmanpara Upazila, leaving them in despair.

The torrential flood has submerged 2,000 hectares of Aus paddy fields, which were set to be harvested in a week.

Farmers, who had been eagerly awaiting the harvest, are now facing the heartbreaking sight of their crops drowning. Many are lamenting their lost crops, with some even fainting from the overwhelming grief.

Despite efforts by many farmers on Saturday and Sunday to salvage partially ripened paddy and move it to higher ground, their attempts have been largely in vain.

The floodwaters have risen up to 10 to 15 feet, making it nearly impossible to save the crops.

Mohammad Masud Rana, the agricultural officer of Brahmanpara Upazila, said: “The devastating flood has submerged 2,000 hectares of Aus paddy fields. Additionally, 160 hectares of Boro paddy seedbeds and 1,200 hectares of Aman paddy, as well as 200 hectares of vegetable fields, have also been inundated.”

“We are advising farmers to harvest the remaining crops if possible, but the excessive water levels are making this very difficult,” he added.

Farmer Hanif Mia from Dighirchar village said, “We were planning to harvest it in a few days, but the floodwaters have destroyed everything. On Sunday, I tried to harvest some paddy, but it was not possible due to the high water levels.”

Iqbal Hossain from Nagaish said, “All my crops are now underwater. There is 10 to 15 feet of water in the fields. I couldn’t manage to bring in the golden crop despite my efforts.”

“My dreams have drowned in the floodwater, and I am left destitute. I am worried about how to feed my wife and children,” he added.