At least nine villages in Feni have been flooded following the collapse of embankments on two major rivers—Muhuri and Silonia—after days of continuous rainfall and upstream hill water runoff.
The sudden surge of water caused severe damage in several areas of Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas, prompting emergency response efforts from local authorities.
The first breach occurred Thursday night when around 50 meters of the flood protection embankment near Banikpara village in Fulgazi Sadar Union collapsed under the pressure of rising water in the Muhuri River. Shortly afterward, another portion of the Silonia River embankment gave way in the Gosaipur area.
"The relentless rainfall and hill runoff raised water levels in the Muhuri, Silonia, and Kahua rivers, putting extreme pressure on the embankments," said Abul Kashem, Sub-Divisional Engineer at the Feni Water Development Board.
As a result, floodwaters entered several villages, including Uttar Baroiya, Dakkhin Baroiya, Banikpara, Bijoypur, Basantapur, Jagatpur, Gosaipur, Nilkshi, and Koroiya. Many homes were inundated overnight, forcing families to seek shelter.
“We’ve been waterlogged since last night. Our house is submerged, and we can’t even cook because the stove is underwater,” said Sanjib Banik, a resident of Uttar Baroiya.
On Thursday evening, water also entered Fulgazi Bazar after the guard wall of the Muhuri River overflowed. The market remained submerged in knee-deep water until early Friday, when water levels began to recede.
In Parshuram upazila’s Mirzanagar Union, water from the rising Silonia River flooded parts of Subar Bazar and nearby areas. Four previously weakened sections of the embankment allowed water to rush into Monipur and surrounding villages, sparking fear among residents.
"Last year's floods had already devastated us. This time, with the embankments left unrepaired, people are panicking just at the sight of rising water,” said local resident Mohammad Hasan.
According to the Water Development Board, last year’s flooding caused breaches at 52 points across the embankments of three rivers. While most have been repaired, 10–12 sections remain vulnerable. Locals report that even some repaired sections are now showing signs of new erosion.
Fulgazi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fahria Islam and the Feni Deputy Commissioner visited the affected areas on Thursday night. The Fulgazi Pilot Girls' High School has been designated as a temporary shelter for flood-affected residents, and army personnel have been deployed to inspect the damaged embankments.
Sub-Assistant Engineer Wasim Akram reported that water levels in the Muhuri River started to decline by early Friday. As of 9:00 AM, the river was flowing 11.15 cm above normal, just under the official danger mark of 12.55 cm.
Feni Deputy Commissioner Saiful Islam confirmed that the Water Development Board has been ordered to conduct emergency repairs. “We are monitoring the embankments closely to prevent further damage,” he said.
Executive Engineer Akhtar Hossain Majumder noted that the collapsed portion of the Muhuri embankment had been reinforced with RCC (reinforced concrete), but even that could not withstand the pressure.
“Our teams are on the ground working to restore the embankments and protect nearby areas from further flooding,” he added.
