Hatia loses connectivity with rest of country; Nijhum Dwip flooded

The coastal district of Noakhali is experiencing continuous rainfall due to a depression over the Bay of Bengal. This weather system has brought gusty winds and squalls, causing the sea near Hatia Upazila to become very rough.

Local authorities in Hatia have temporarily suspended all river transport links with the rest of the country from 11 a.m. on Wednesday due to the adverse weather conditions.

Humayun Kabir, an officer at the Noakhali office of the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, reported that 67mm of rain was recorded in Noakhali in the 24 hours leading up to 9 a.m. on Thursday.

He explained, “The well-marked low pressure system over the northwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining areas has intensified into a depression. It is expected to move northward and could strengthen further. As a result, the northern Bay of Bengal, coastal areas, and maritime ports may experience gusty winds and squalls. The sea near the center of the depression remains rough.”

In response, all fishing boats and trawlers in the northern bay and deep sea have been advised to remain in safe shelters and proceed with caution until further notice. The Meteorological Department also issued a local cautionary signal No. 3 for ports, Humayun added.

Meanwhile, tidal surges in Nijhum Dwip have risen by 5-6 feet above normal since Wednesday, causing widespread flooding. Many households in nine wards of the island are now marooned, leaving residents stranded and struggling.

Locals report that tidal water from the Meghna River is flowing 4-5 feet higher than usual. Shops along the riverbanks and jetty area have been removed or damaged; some have even been washed away due to the high tide. Since there is no ring embankment protecting Nijhum Dwip, much of the area remains submerged.

Hatia residents are also stranded as the Upazila has lost connectivity with the rest of the country. Saiful Islam, a resident of Burirchar Union in Hatia, said, “It has been raining nonstop since Wednesday, accompanied by gusty winds and squalls. Many areas are flooded with tidal water. As a result, residents are unable to work.”

Nijhum Dwip resident Belal Hossain said, “Flooding happens easily here since there is no ring embankment. Several areas, including Namarbazar and Shatophul Bandar, are already inundated.”

Md Alauddin, Upazila Executive Officer of Hatia, confirmed that all water transport services were ordered to halt travel across the country after 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday due to rough seas. The suspension will remain until the weather improves. Additionally, all fishing trawlers have been instructed to stay in safe shelters.

Deputy Commissioner Khandkar Estiaque Ahmed said that Upazila executive officers are closely monitoring the weather and taking necessary precautions. Safe shelters have been arranged to relocate vulnerable residents, and cyclone shelters have been prepared.

He also stated that the Water Development Board has been requested to monitor vulnerable ring embankments in the coastal Upazilas of Hatia, Subarnachar, and Companiganj.