Chattogram flood leaves Tk 150cr loss of destruction in fisheries, roads

The recent devastating floods have left Chattogram's fisheries and road infrastructure reeling, with preliminary estimates putting combined losses at more than Tk 150 crore as thousands of fish farms were washed away and over 116 kilometres of roads sustained damage.

According to the Chattogram District Fisheries Office, floodwaters inundated 9,933 ponds and water bodies and 320 fish enclosures across 15 upazilas, affecting 3,211.92 hectares of ponds and 900 hectares of fish farms. Initial assessments estimate losses in the fisheries sector at Tk 91.42 crore.

Banshkhali recorded the highest damage, followed by Lohagara, Patiya, Anwara and Boalkhali, where thousands of ponds were flooded, causing large-scale fish losses and dealing a severe financial blow to fish farmers.

The flooding also severely disrupted road connectivity across the district. Data from the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) show that 116.41 kilometres of national, regional and district roads under the Chattogram and Chattogram South road divisions were damaged by floodwaters, with road surfaces washed away and several sections left unusable.

Officials estimate that Tk14.06 crore will be required for immediate emergency repairs, while Tk52.75 crore will be needed for long-term rehabilitation of the damaged road network.

District Fisheries Officer Salma Begum said the damage assessment is still ongoing and losses could increase as field inspections continue.

RHD Additional Chief Engineer for the Chattogram Zone Mohammad Abdul Halim said emergency repairs would begin on the most critical road sections to restore connectivity, adding that the overall damage estimate is expected to rise as detailed assessments are completed.