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Bangladesh Weather

Flood Crisis in Sylhet And Sunamganj Maroons 1.45 Million People

Severe flooding in Sylhet and Sunamganj has displaced 38,000 people and marooned 1.45 million. The situation is expected to worsen with continued heavy rainfall predicted.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Severe flooding in Sylhet and Sunamganj has displaced 38,000 people and marooned 1.45 million.

Severe flooding has devastated the Sylhet and Sunamganj districts in Bangladesh, displacing thousands and leaving millions stranded. Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sylhet, Sheikh Russel Hasan, reported on Wednesday, June 19, that 38,000 people have sought refuge in safer locations, while approximately 1.45 million individuals have been marooned.

The floodwaters have inundated low-lying areas in Sylhet city and all 13 upazilas (sub-districts), with six upazilas—Companiganj, Kanaighat, Jointa, Fenchuganj, Goainghat, and Dakkhin Surma—almost entirely submerged. The rising waters have destroyed standing Aus rice fields, adding to the region's woes.

Why This Matters: In Sunamganj, six lakh (600,000) people are stranded across 11 of the district’s 12 upazilas. The Surma and Kushiyara rivers, along with their tributaries and smaller rivers, have overflowed, submerging low-lying areas and turning major parts of the district headquarters into virtual waterlogged zones.

Sylhet DC Sheikh Russel has emphasized the district administration's heightened alertness, particularly as the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) forecasts heavy rainfall over the next three days. This could further exacerbate the flood situation.

To manage the crisis, control rooms have been set up at the DC office and Upazila Nirbahi Officers' (UNO) offices. Dedicated officers are assigned to each upazila, with tag officers appointed for every union. Additionally, union-based medical teams are providing health services to the flood-affected population. Relief efforts, both governmental and non-governmental, are underway to support those in need.

The Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) has taken proactive measures, including opening a control room and canceling all officials' leave. Responding to the SCC's request, the Bangladesh Army has been protecting Sylhet's Baraikandi power substation from flooding since last night. Sylhet City Mayor Anwaruzzaman stated that volunteer teams are aiding flood victims, and sufficient food supplies are available at shelter centers.

According to the Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre (FFWC), major rivers in the northeastern region are expected to rise further in the next 24 hours. Consequently, low-lying areas along the rivers in Netrokona districts, along with Sylhet and Sunamganj, may face worsening flood conditions.

As the flooding crisis unfolds, authorities continue to implement emergency measures and provide critical support to the affected communities, while preparing for potential further challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Floods displace 38,000 people, maroon 1.45 million in Sylhet and Sunamganj.
  • Six upazilas nearly submerged, destroying standing Aus rice fields.
  • Control rooms and dedicated officers set up for emergency response.
  • Union-based medical teams and relief efforts supporting affected populations.
  • Heavy rainfall forecasted, flood conditions likely to deteriorate further.

 

Floods Bangladesh