Pirojpur June 5,(V7N Dhaka)- Due to the impact of Cyclone Remal, extensive damage has been inflicted on fish farming and fisheries in the southern coastal region of Pirojpur district.
 
On May 26-27, continuous heavy rainfall and strong winds for nearly 28 hours led to an increase in water levels by 8 to 10 feet in rivers and low-lying areas, causing fish in ponds and enclosures to escape.
 
Approximately 16,350 ponds and 2,850 fish enclosures in the entire Pirojpur district have been affected, with a total damage estimate of Tk 88,530,000.
 
In the middle of the Barisal River, due to the absence of solid embankments, fish in the enclosures have escaped.
 
Fish farmers, already struggling due to loans from banks and NGOs, are seeking assistance and cooperation from various sources to recover from the losses incurred during the calamity.
 
Extensive damage, totaling Tk 22,430,000, has occurred to 4,600 ponds and 250 enclosures in Mathbaria.
 
In an ironic twist, due to fish farming using makeshift embankments in the connecting area of ​​the Bishkhali and Barisal rivers, waterlogging from the recent flood has caused fish to escape into pond enclosures.
 
According to sources from the Mathbaria Upazila Fisheries Office, while the initial government assessment suggests a damage of Tk 22,430,000 to fisheries in Mathbaria, the actual damage is likely to be higher.
 
The delay in water receding after the flood, with water levels remaining 8 to 10 feet higher than normal, is causing hindrance in water drainage.
 
Mahmudul Hasan Gazi from the village of Badshaola reports a loss of more than one lakh taka due to Cyclone Remal.
 
Syed Nazrul Islam, a fisheries officer in Mathbaria said, emphasized the need to restore the previous state of fisheries to motivate fish farmers by providing government support through training and distribution of resources.
 
Abdul Kaiyum, the executive officer of Mathbaria Upazila told Voice7 News, assured that all possible assistance would be provided to restore the fisheries to their previous condition.
 
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