Over 30,000 people have been marooned and at least 20 islands in Bhola’s Charfesson upazila have been submerged due to unusually high tides and incessant rainfall.

The water levels in the rivers of Charfesson, influenced by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, are flowing above the danger mark.

On Friday, there was continuous heavy rainfall and strong winds throughout the day at the upazila. The increased wind speed caused the rivers and the sea to become turbulent.

Normal communication has been disrupted as strong currents are flowing over the raw and paved roads in these affected unions, leading to significant damage to the roads. Fish from ponds and enclosures have been swept away.

Locals are facing extreme hardship as currents are flowing over most of the homes in the flooded unions.

As of Friday afternoon, the Meghna River was flowing 69 centimetres above its danger level. The rising water has led to a humanitarian crisis for thousands of people in these areas.

Communication has also been severely hampered in isolated islands such as Dhali Char, Char Kukri-Mukri, Char Patila of Dakshin Aicha, Char Manika and Nazrul Nagar where water has risen.

According to the Water Development Board, the water level has increased due to the full moon tides. On Thursday, the water was 29 centimetres above the danger mark, marking two consecutive days of low-lying areas being inundated.

Locals report that 20 chars, including Char Nizam, Kalatali Char, Char Jatin, Char Gyan, Char Kukri-Mukri, Dhali Char, Char Patila, Majher Char, Char Shahjalal and Kochuakhali Char, have been submerged along the Meghna coast.

Bellal Hossain, former UP member of Char Kukri-Mukri said that low-lying areas of the char and Char Patila have been submerged by tides for two days. Fish enclosures, vegetable fields, and agricultural lands have been affected.

Additionally, river erosion has begun along the Meghna River with the rising water levels, he added.

Majed Munshi of Ward No. 5, Char Manika union reported that his pond, lemon orchard and pointed gourd field have been submerged due to the rising water in the Meghna River.

He also expressed concern that if the water continues to rise, it will enter homes in low-lying areas within the next day or two.

Charfesson Water Development Board Deputy Engineer Ehsan Ahmed confirmed that low-lying areas have been flooded as the Meghna River is flowing at its danger level. However, he stated that significant damage has not yet occurred.

The Tetulia River is flowing 10 centimetres below the danger mark and the Meghna River is currently flowing 69 centimetres above the danger mark, he added.

He also mentioned if rainfall continues, the water is likely to flow above the danger level.