Feni Floods Recede, But Erosion Worsens as Residents Return

Floodwaters in Feni have largely receded, with displaced residents returning home from shelters as conditions improve, according to local officials. Most flood-affected areas are now dry, and key roads like Feni-Parshuram and Feni-Chhagalnaiya have reopened, though smaller roads remain severely damaged.Despite the improvement, erosion along the embankments of the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers in Fulgazi and Parshuram worsened overnight. Akhtar Hossain Majumdar, executive engineer of the Feni Water Development Board, said erosion points along the 120km stretch of embankment rose from 20 to 36 since Friday and may continue to increase. In several spots, erosion is now deep enough to allow river water to seep into nearby villages. Repairs will begin once water levels fall further.In agriculture, the damage is significant. Seedbeds and vegetable fields in Fulgazi have been submerged and destroyed. Farmer Abdul Malek said he lost everything and lacks resources to restart his cultivation.Hasan, owner of Bismillah Poultry, reported losing 1,500 chickens and infrastructure worth around Tk 450,000. According to Upazila Livestock Officer Tarek Mahmud, nearly 480 cattle and goats, along with over 31,700 ducks and chickens, perished in the floods. Around 65 tonnes of animal feed and grass were also washed away, bringing livestock losses to an estimated Tk 2.3 million.In fisheries, Upazila Fisheries Officer Nazmul Hasan reported that 1,305 fish ponds covering 278 hectares were inundated, causing losses of approximately Tk 37.4 million.Health risks are also rising. Golam Kibria, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, warned of potential outbreaks of diarrhoea, skin diseases, and increased snake bites due to water contamination, lack of sanitation, and medicine shortages.Road infrastructure suffered extensive damage. Syed Asif Muhammad, Upazila Engineer, said roads in Fulgazi Sadar and Munshirhat were among the worst affected. A complete damage assessment will take more time.While the situation has eased in Fulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya, some low-lying areas in Feni Sadar and Daganbhuiyan remain waterlogged.Meanwhile, HSC and equivalent exams, as well as National University honours exams postponed due to the floods, resumed from Sunday on their regular schedule.