Widespread flooding has inundated over 100 villages across Feni district, leaving more than 150,000 people stranded after torrential rains and upstream river surges breached flood protection embankments at multiple points.

Heavy rainfall over the past three days, coupled with water rushing in from upstream India, caused at least 20 breaches in flood control dams along the Muhuri, Kahua, and Silonia rivers, according to the Water Development Board.

The worst-affected areas include Fulgazi, Parashuram, and Feni Sadar upazilas, where strong currents have swept through low-lying villages.

Roads have been submerged, cutting off access and isolating entire communities. Power and mobile networks have also been disrupted in many areas.

As of Thursday morning, 10 breaches were reported on the Muhuri River, six on the Kahua, and four on the Silonia.

Officials warn that new areas are being flooded as water continues to flow through the damaged embankments.

The district administration has opened 139 shelters across six upazilas.

However, only about 7,000 flood victims have taken refuge in 49 shelters so far, according to the latest official figures.

Authorities have allocated BDT 1.75 million for emergency relief operations.

“We haven’t recovered from last year’s floods, and now everything’s washed away again,” said Zahirul Raju, a resident of Daulatpur, standing near his submerged home.

Ali Azzam from North Sripur expressed frustration: “Every year, in July or August, the dam breaks. Governments change, but our suffering stays the same.”

“We’re in extreme hardship,” said Pushpita Rani of Gainbari. “There’s no dry food, no clean water, and we’re stuck with children and the elderly.”

The Feni Meteorological Office reported 76 millimetres of rainfall in the last 24 hours and warned of continued light rain in the coming days, further complicating the situation.

Akhtar Hossain Majumder, Executive Engineer at the Water Development Board in Feni, said: “At around 9am, the river was flowing 12 centimetres below the danger level. But due to the dam breaches, floodwaters are entering new areas. Repairs will begin once the water recedes.”

Local authorities have urged residents to remain alert and cooperate with emergency responders as efforts continue to mitigate the disaster.