Flash floods, heavy rain leave over 100 families devastated in Khagrachhari

Flash floods triggered by heavy rain have devastated homes and livelihoods in Jamtali Bazar and nearby villages in Dighinala upazila of Khagrachhari, leaving more than 100 families in distress.

The flooding began suddenly late Friday night after unusually heavy rain, sending torrents of water down from the hills and inundating homes. Many mud-built houses collapsed, while furniture, cooking utensils, clothes, documents, livestock and other household items were washed away or damaged.

Residents said many affected families were unable to save their belongings as the water rose rapidly while they were asleep. Several families have since taken shelter with relatives or neighbours.

Amena Begum, a resident of Jamtali, said water suddenly entered her house at night, forcing her family to flee. She said almost everything inside the house, including furniture, important documents and some jewellery kept for her daughter’s wedding, was damaged or lost.

Another resident, Gandhilal Chakma, said his house had been destroyed and that he was struggling to find both shelter and food. Bina Chakma said floodwater damaged her kitchen and stove, leaving her unable to cook.

Nasima Begum said her house was swept away and several of her ducks and chickens died. Disabled resident Sahana, who lives with her two children while her husband has been away for about a month, said she had lost her home and household essentials and had nowhere to go.

The flooding also caused major losses for local farmers and poultry businesses. Farmer Yasmin Akter said around 1,500 chickens at her farm died after floodwater entered the facility. She said she was already burdened with loans and now needed assistance to rebuild her business.

Residents said they need not only immediate food assistance but also long-term rehabilitation, as many mud houses have been completely destroyed and families have lost both their homes and sources of income.

Dighinala Upazila Nirbahi Officer Tanzil Parvez said most of the affected houses were made of mud and had suffered severe damage. Preliminary assessments suggest that more than 100 houses in Jamtali and surrounding areas have been affected.

He said officials had visited the affected areas and were assessing the extent of the damage. Government assistance would be distributed once the assessment is completed and funds are allocated.

Cooked food is already being distributed, while arrangements are being made to provide dry food to affected families, he added.

For many families, however, returning to normal life remains uncertain as they face the loss of homes, belongings and livelihoods in the aftermath of the sudden flash flood.

SKS