Relentless rain, hill runoff leave 450,000 stranded as floods sweep Chattogram

Satkania bears the worst impact, with around 300,000 people stranded as authorities seek speedboats for rescue

At least 450,000 people have been left stranded by floods in several Chattogram Upazilas after days of heavy rain and hill runoff.

Satkania, Lohagara, Chandanaish and Banshkhali have been badly affected, with Satkania facing the worst flooding, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zahidul Islam Miah.

The district administration has cancelled leave for officials and staff to deal with the crisis.

Satkania Upazila administrator (UNO) Mahmudul Hasan said all villages under its 17 unions and one municipality have been flooded.

Around 300,000 people are trapped, with Satkania Municipality, Dhemsha and Bajalia among the worst-hit areas, he added.

He said flooding worsened after water entered through breaches in the Dolu River embankment in the municipality and Rampur areas.

Residents said several villages lost power from Wednesday evening, while mobile networks have also been disrupted.

Authorities have opened 89 shelters, but officials cannot determine occupancy due to connectivity problems.

Chattogram recorded 223.6mm of rainfall until 6pm on Thursday, according to Patenga weather office.

The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC) said water in the Sangu River at Dohazari was flowing 14cm above the danger level at 6pm.

DC Zahidul said 10 speedboats are needed to speed up rescue operations in Satkania.

Authorities are moving stranded residents to safety by boats.

In Banshkhali, around 38,000 people are stranded, with Pukchhari, Napora, Chhanua, Saral, Shekher Khil, Bailchhari and Katharia among the worst-hit unions.

In Chandanaish, around 14,000 people were affected, while authorities opened up 27 shelters. Two tin-roofed houses collapsed after trees fell, while two mud houses were damaged, but no deaths were reported.

In Lohagara, Amirabad, Adhunagar, Padua and Lohagara unions have been hit, with Amirabad suffering the most.

The district has received 200 tonnes of rice and Tk 3 million in aid, along with another Tk 2 million from the prime minister’s fund.

The money and relief supplies are being distributed across affected Upazilas.