Feni is experiencing continuous rainfall due to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a deep depression. Over the past 24 hours, 159 millimeters of rainfall have been recorded.
This deep depression has caused flooding in several villages across four unions in Sonagazi, a coastal upazila in the district, leading to hardship for local residents.
Locals fear the situation could worsen if the rain doesn't subside.
Md. Mojibur Rahman, acting officer of the Feni Meteorological Office, confirmed this information to the media on Friday morning (May 30).
He stated that the 159 mm of rainfall recorded between Thursday morning and Friday morning is the highest single-day rainfall for the current season.
The official added that rain is likely to continue across the district until tomorrow.
Coastal Areas Affected and River Levels Monitored
Heavy rainfall combined with abnormal tides and strong currents from the deep depression have inundated several villages in Char Chandia, Char Mojlishpur, Char Darbesh, and Bogadana unions of Sonagazi, the district's coastal upazila.
If the rain intensifies, water from upstream in India could cause the Muhuri River to flow above its danger level.
Md. Abul Kashem, subdivisional engineer of the Feni Water Development Board, told the media that increased rainfall upstream in India would raise river levels in Bangladesh.
Currently, the Muhuri River is flowing below the danger level. He assured that all necessary preparations are in place to address potential flooding.
Special preparations have already been made regarding 21 vulnerable embankments in Parshuram Upazila and 20 in Fulgazi Upazila of the district.
Recalling Past Flooding Devastation
It's worth noting that Feni was hit by its most severe floods in recorded history during July-August last year.
The flooding, which began on August 19, surpassed all previous records.
This devastating flood claimed 29 lives.
Furthermore, damage to road infrastructure, educational institutions, vehicles, homes, and businesses, among almost every sector, exceeded hundreds of crores of Taka.
Beyond rural areas, the district town was also submerged, leaving over 1 million people stranded. Thousands of people from across the country came forward to rescue and assist the flood victims.
