Continuous heavy rainfall and flash floods triggered by upstream hill runoff have pushed the Matamuhuri River above its danger level, leaving an estimated 500,000 people marooned across three upazilas in Cox's Bazar district.
According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB), the river's water level at the Chiringa Bridge point rose to 6.29 metres at around 9:00 am on Thursday, exceeding the danger level of 5.08 metres by 1.21 metres.
BWDB officials said persistent rainfall in the upstream hill areas of Lama and Alikadam upazilas in neighbouring Bandarban district continues to swell the river, worsening the flood situation downstream.
Local administrations in Chakaria, Pekua, and Matamuhuri said floodwaters have inundated 11 unions and one municipality in Chakaria, seven unions and one municipality in Pekua, and seven unions in Matamuhuri, affecting at least half a million residents.
Among the worst-hit areas are Baraitali, Fasiakhali, Kaiyarbil, Kakara, Laxarchar, Surajpur-Manikpur, Harbang, Khutakhali, Chiringa, and Dulahazara in Chakaria; Pekua municipality, Toitong, Magnama, Barabakia, Rajakhali, Ujantia, and surrounding areas in Pekua; and Saharbil, Purba Bara Bheola, Dhemushia, Bheola Manikchar, Paschim Bheola, and Badarkhali in Matamuhuri.
Floodwaters have submerged roads across the three upazilas, disrupting vehicular movement and causing severe hardship for residents. Authorities also reported an emerging shortage of safe drinking water in many of the affected communities as the flood situation continues to deteriorate.
