Heavy rain floods Khagrachhari, road links with Sajek cut off

Continuous heavy rainfall has caused the water levels of the Chengi and Maini rivers in Khagrachhari to rise above danger levels, flooding several low-lying areas in the district town and Dighinala. Due to the hill torrents and flash floods, many houses and paddy fields have gone under water. Additionally, with roads submerged, road communication has been completely cut off between Sajek, a major tourist destination, and the neighbouring Langadu upazila.

According to the Khagrachhari weather office, 103 millimetres of rainfall was recorded between midnight and 3am on Friday night alone. The sudden downpour caused the water levels of the two rivers to rise rapidly, exceeding the danger mark.

Low-lying areas of Khagrachhari town, including Kachabazar, Muslimpara, Garurbazar, Shantinagar and areas adjacent to the Khagrachhari gate, have been inundated. In Dighinala, low-lying areas of Merung, Kobakhali and Beyolkhali are also underwater, with water currently flowing over the Dighinala-Merung road as well. Many residents have been stranded in their homes and have taken shelter in local schools and other centres. Road communication from Dighinala to Sajek and from Dighinala to Langadu upazila has been cut off.

Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Md Anwar Sadat said, "Heavy rainfall in the early hours of Friday has flooded Khagrachhari town, its surrounding areas and low-lying areas of Dighinala upazila. District administration officials have been in the field since morning. Food arrangements have been made for those taking shelter in various institutions across the town."

He added that initiatives have been taken to keep women, children and the sick safe with the help of volunteer organisations including the Red Crescent. Necessary measures are being taken for the affected people from the district administration's government fund. "This is a temporary situation caused by flash floods. I hope the situation will improve by the afternoon."