Water levels have risen once again in several waterlogged areas of Noakhali after moderate to heavy rainfall overnight, adding to the ongoing suffering of local residents.
Although rainfall had ceased on Friday and Saturday following days of heavy showers beginning Monday, 7 July, light rain throughout Sunday eventually turned into heavier downpours by nightfall. As a result, areas that had begun to see some drainage experienced renewed flooding. Prolonged waterlogging has now escalated into a major public hardship, with fears of flooding looming large among the population.
On Monday morning, Rafiqul Islam, the acting officer at the Maijdee Weather Office, confirmed that 32mm of rainfall had been recorded over the past 24 hours due to a low-pressure system.
While water levels had slightly receded in parts of the town and higher ground over the past three days, the latest rainfall has once again inundated these areas. In rural regions, water levels continue to rise, leaving nearly 100,000 people water-bound across the district.
Key roads in Sadar, Kabirhat, Companiganj, and Begumganj upazilas remain submerged under several feet of water. Many homes are surrounded by knee-deep water or worse, with residents trapped indoors since last Monday. Locals are increasingly concerned that clogged canals and ineffective drainage systems could prolong the waterlogging crisis.
In an effort to address the issue, Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shahnewaz Tanvir led an eviction drive on Sunday to remove illegal structures built over canals from Munshitalk in Kaladarap Union to Uday Sadhu Hat in Char Matua Union. The operation resumed Monday, with support from the Army, Ansar, LGED, Fisheries and Forest departments, and local residents.
Meanwhile, Noakhali district Jamaat-e-Islami held a human chain protest demanding swift and effective action to resolve the crisis. A memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Ishtiaque Ahmed, who stated that over 90,000 people across 57 unions have been affected. More than 1,000 people, along with domestic animals, have taken refuge in 27 local shelters. Initial assessments indicate damage to over 50 homes, 7,500 acres of cropland, 9,000 livestock, and 40,000 fish farms.
