Jhalokati, July 28 (V7N) — At least 12 villages in Kathalia Upazila of Bangladesh’s Jhalokati district have been submerged following days of relentless rainfall and an abnormal tidal surge caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal. The swelling waters of the Bishkhali River overflowed into nearby low-lying areas, inundating homes, roads, farmland, and fisheries, leaving thousands of residents in distress.

The river's water level rose several feet above normal, flooding riverbank villages such as Amua, Hetalbunia, Moshabunia, Joykhali, Aura, Kathalia Sadar, Bara Kathalia, Kochua, Shauljalia, Talgachia, Raghuarchar, Aurabunia, and Jangalia. The tidal waters have submerged residences, croplands, fish ponds, tube wells, livestock sheds, and poultry enclosures.

Joykhali resident Md. Ayub Ali Sardar reported that the absence of an embankment along the Bishkhali River has worsened the situation. “The tidal water entered through one side of the village and flowed out the other, flooding ponds, roads, and homes. Many of our fish have escaped, and our agricultural lands are now underwater,” he said.

Md. Monir Hossain Khan, a fish farmer from Paschim Aura, expressed concern over rising salinity from the tidal influx. “Saltwater is now entering daily, making fish farming and agriculture nearly impossible. Losses are inevitable under such conditions,” he said.

Md. Khairul Akon, a grocery store owner in Kathalia Sadar, noted that even moderate tides regularly submerge essential public infrastructure. “The road in front of the Upazila Health Complex, Union Parishad, and Sub-Registry Office goes underwater during high tide, causing severe disruptions for both pedestrians and vehicles,” he stated.

Md. Hachib Bhutto from Uttar Aura village emphasized the recurring nature of the problem. “Without an embankment, tidal water constantly floods our locality. Homes, fields, and fisheries are repeatedly damaged. Sunday's tide was unprecedented — we've never seen water levels this high. A permanent solution is essential to prevent a future disaster,” he urged.

Despite the widespread impact, Kathalia Upazila Agriculture Officer Imran Bin Islam assured that there has been no significant agricultural damage yet. “The water is receding as quickly as it rises, so crops are not being permanently affected at this stage,” he explained.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Zohirul Islam acknowledged the severity of the situation, attributing it to the low-pressure system over the sea. “We are monitoring the developments closely. Such conditions may persist for another day or two,” he said.

Local residents, however, remain deeply concerned about the lack of long-term planning and protection. The demand for a sustainable embankment project along the Bishkhali River is growing louder as communities brace for further environmental and economic fallout from increasingly erratic climate patterns.

END/AIJ/SMA/