Floods wash away fish farms in Chattogram, losses hit Tk 91cr

Days of relentless rainfall and flash floods triggered by upstream hill runoff have devastated the fisheries sector in southern Chattogram, with preliminary estimates putting losses at Tk 91 crore.

The worst-hit areas include Satkania and Banshkhali, while large parts of Chandanaish, Lohagara, Boalkhali and Anwara also remain inundated.

Alongside widespread damage to homes, croplands and roads, thousands of fish farmers have suffered heavy financial losses after floodwaters swept away fish from ponds and enclosures.

According to the Chattogram District Fisheries Office, flooding has affected 9,933 ponds and 320 fish enclosures across 153 unions in 15 upazilas. The damaged ponds cover 3,211.92 hectares, while fish enclosures span 900 hectares.

Officials estimate the initial financial loss at Tk 91 crore, although they warn the figure could rise as many flooded areas remain inaccessible and a full assessment has yet to be completed.

In Chandanaish alone, 338 fish ponds covering nearly 92 hectares were damaged, with preliminary losses estimated at Tk 5.93 crore.

District Fisheries Officer Salma Begum said field-level assessments are ongoing and a comprehensive damage report will be prepared once floodwaters recede. A list of affected fish farmers will then be submitted to higher authorities for assistance.

She also confirmed that a government fisheries project in Mirsharai has already been submerged, while another in Patiya remains under threat. However, no fishermen have been reported missing so far.

Industry officials warn the losses could disrupt freshwater fish production and affect market supplies in the coming months.