Estimates from the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock departments indicate that the recent floods have caused approximately Tk 10 crore in losses to fish farms, affected 10,412 hectares of cropland, and led to livestock losses amounting to more than Tk one crore in three districts in greater Noakhali region.
In Feni district alone, over 3,670 hectares of farmland across six upazilas were impacted. In the fisheries sector, around 2,300 ponds, dighis, and fish farms sustained damages.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension in Noakhali, crops on 5,199 hectares have been submerged. This includes 891 hectares of Aman seedbeds, 2,500 hectares of Aus paddy, 1,200 hectares of summer vegetables, and 575 hectares of autumn vegetables.
Laksmipur District Agriculture Officer Zaher Ahmed reported that 375 hectares of Aman seedbeds have gone underwater and are likely to be lost. Additionally, 1,100 hectares of Aus paddy and 95 hectares of vegetable fields have also been submerged.
Our Correspondent from Feni reports that thousands of flood-affected residents in Feni's three worst-hit upazilas have returned home from shelters, only to confront a fresh battle for survival. Although floodwaters have receded, the aftermath has brought new challenges-mud-filled homes, ruined furniture and damaging grain stocks.
More than 9,000 people have left emergency shelters, attempting to restore normal life. However, many areas still remain without electricity.
Continuous rainfall since July 8, coupled with hill torrents from India's Tripura state, caused the Muhuri, Kohua, and Silonia rivers to overflow, inundating large swathes of Phulgazi, Parshuram, Chhagalnaiya, and Feni Sadar. A total of 137 villages were submerged-while water has receded from 131, six remain underwater.
According to the district administration, over 150,000 people were marooned, and more than 1,000 homes have been either partially or completely damaged. Crops, roads, bridges, and schools have also suffered extensive losses.
Damage assessments from the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Livestock Departments reveal that Tk 10 crore in losses to the fisheries sector; 5,564.61 hectares of cropland affected and livestock losses totalling Tk 64.88 lakh.
In agriculture sector around 855 hectares of Aus paddy; 557 hectares of summer vegetables, 694 hectares of Aman seedbeds were damaged-impacting over 3,670 hectares of farmland across six upazilas.
In fisheries, around 2,300 ponds, dighis, and fish farms were damaged.
The Water Development Board reported embankment breaches at 36 points-19 in Parshuram and 17 in Phulgazi.
Akhtar Hossain, Executive Engineer of the Board, said: "We tried to protect the embankments using geobags in emergency situations, but sustainable embankments and river dredging require long-term planning."
Residents continue to express frustration. In Komua village, poultry farmer Md Harun said, "Last year, I lost Tk 20 lakh. This year, chickens died and fish were washed away. Every year, the embankments break-we're stuck in a cycle of loss and promises."
In Phulgazi Bazar, at least 15 shops were swallowed by the river. Displaced trader Md Abdul Alim said, "My shop was my only income. It disappeared in a single day. Now I'm left with nothing, wondering how to feed my family."
