The full extent of damage, caused by recent flash floods at law-lying areas in Netrokona's Durgapur upazila, has become visible as the floodwaters recede and rains subside.
The flood left behind a trail of destruction, with homes, roads, and ponds severely impacted. However, the agriculture sector has been seen greatest loss as a huge amount of Aman paddy fields were inundated during the flood.
According to the Durgapur Agricultural Office, nearly 10,000 hectares of farmland were submerged during the flash floods this season. While water has receded from 3,000 hectares, saving some crops, approximately 7,000 hectares of Aman paddy have been completely destroyed.
The estimated loss stands at nearly Tk 97 crore, as confirmed by Upazila Agricultural Officer Nipa Biswas on Tuesday.
She stated that Aman paddy was cultivated across 16,420 hectares in seven unions of the upazila this year. Out of these, five low-lying unions were severely affected, with 7,000 hectares of paddy and 50 hectares of vegetable fields fully damaged by the floodwaters.
Saidul Islam from Gaokandia village shared his plight, saying, "All the paddy has rotted and what remains is still underwater. The flood has left us devastated."
Similarly, Jalil Mia from Sripur village expressed his despair, "We survive by farming but now everything is lost in the water. Only Allah knows what will happen to us."
Nurul Amin, a panel chairman of Gaokandia Union Parishad, said, "Although water is slowly receding from homes and paddy fields, the damage done will take more than five years to recover. Almost all the remaining crops are ruined."
Acting Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Mostafizur Rahman mentioned that Aman paddy was the hardest hit by the recent flash floods in the upazila.
He assured that affected farmers would receive government support and incentives through the agricultural department.
