In Sunamganj, heavy rainfall has been occurring for several days. The hilly areas, coming from the upstream of the Surma River, are unaffected. However, the water level in the rivers, canals, and haors (marshy wetlands) of Sunamganj has risen. The water has inundated the roads and residential areas in the lower regions of the district.
Local residents have reported that the water level inside houses in the residential areas along the riverbanks and in the low-lying villages is as high as the height of a room, while in some houses, it is as high as a waist. Consequently, people affected by the flooding have sought shelter in relief centers.
On Monday (July 3), the water of the rivers in Sunamganj overflowed. At 6 p.m., the water level of the Surma River at Sunamganj Point was 17 centimeters above the danger level, and at Chatok Point, it was 136 centimeters above the danger level. Additionally, the water level at Dirai Point was 3 centimeters above the danger level.
Due to water entering the residential areas of Sultanpur, located in the Hasonnagar area of the municipal city, nearly 70 families have sought shelter in the Sunamganj Government College relief center.
Shamim Ahmed, who has taken shelter in the college, said, “Our house is flooded. Therefore, I was compelled to come to the relief center. I have brought many belongings to the shelter as I need to save my life and take care of my wife and children. However, no government or non-government assistance has reached this relief center so far.”
Saleha Begum, another evacuee, stated, “Water is everywhere around our house. I spent a whole day in the water with my children, but we couldn’t stay at home. My husband is unable to work due to the rain. If he doesn’t work, how will we eat and survive? We saw the chairman but so far no one has provided us with food.”
Furthermore, several roads in Doarabazar Upazila of Sunamganj have been submerged in floodwater. Five unions in Sunamganj Sadar are disconnected from the main road communication. As a result, during the Eid festival, hundreds of evacuees, including those returning home, have been affected.
Mahbub Alam, the executive engineer of Sunamganj LGED (Local Government Engineering Department), said, “Due to the erosion caused by the hill torrents, many roads have been submerged, and small and large potholes have formed on the roads due to the flow of water. However, we have given directions to the engineers of the 12 upazilas to make the roads passable.”
Mohammad Shamsuddoha, the executive engineer of Sunamganj Water Development Board, stated, “Due to excessive rainfall in Meghalaya and Cherapunji in India, the water level of the rivers has exceeded the danger level. A temporary flood situation has been created in Sunamganj. If there is more rainfall, the flood situation in Sunamganj will worsen.”
