Cyclone Remal: Over 200 houses flooded as rivers rise above danger mark in Bagerhat

The highest increase in water level was observed in the Pasur River where the water flowed over the danger mark by 5 feet

Due to the severe cyclonic storm Remal, all rivers in the coastal district of Bagerhat are flowing above the danger level, causing water to enter various low-lying and residential areas near the riverbanks.

Before the cyclone started, more than 200 houses were flooded on Sunday afternoon in the district headquarters, Morelganj, Sharankhola, Mongla, and Rampal Upazilas or sub-districts, according to the district administration.

Abu Raihan Mohammad Al-Biruni, the executive engineer of Bagerhat Water Development Board, said: "Due to the cyclone, the main rivers in Bagerhat were flowing above the danger level by Sunday afternoon. The highest rise in water level was observed in the Pasur River in Mongla Upazila.

"In the afternoon, the river level at Mongla Port exceeded the danger mark by 5 feet, and in the Baleshwar and Bhairab rivers, the water level was two to three feet above the danger mark."

Luis Biswas Farazi from Bagerhat Sadar said during the afternoon tide river water overflowed into the homes of over 150 families who live in the localities near the Doratana Bridge in the city, alongside the Maria Palli and adjacent Doratana River.

Residents of Maria Palli said the embankments were breached by the tidal waters, making it difficult to cook and eat.

Masudur Rahman, the district officer for relief and rehabilitation in Bagerhat, said: "Local residents have started arriving at cyclone shelters in coastal Bagerhat. Since Sunday afternoon, residents from the most vulnerable areas near the rivers in Sharankhola, Mongla, Morelganj, and Rampal have been seeking refuge.

"However, I cannot yet specify how many people have taken shelter in these centres."

Khanif Hossain, the district administrator (DC) of Bagerhat, said: "Due to the impact of Cyclone Remal, all rivers in the coastal district of Bagerhat are flowing above the danger level. The tidal waters have flooded over two hundred houses in the low-lying areas near the riverbanks."