Heavy rain and hill runoff flood Rajasthali; crops damaged, livelihoods affected

RAJASTHALI CORRESPONDENT

Record rainfall over two consecutive days, caused by a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal, has led to flooding in several low-lying areas of Rajasthali upazila in Rangamati. The rain, accompanied by hill runoff, has caused widespread hardship for residents, particularly low-income and working-class communities.

Several areas of the upazila, including parts of Bangalhalia Union, have reported waterlogging and damage to roads and agricultural land. At least one fish project has reported losses, and vegetable fields have been submerged.

Residents of Bangalhalia area have been waterlogged since Saturday. Site visits across various locations on Saturday and Sunday morning revealed that day labourers, rickshaw pullers, street vendors, and auto-rickshaw drivers have been particularly affected, with many reporting sharp declines in income.

“Our income has dropped significantly. Many of us are finding it difficult to provide for our families,” said one rickshaw puller.

Vegetable fields were damaged by the force of hill runoff. Sagar Das, a local fish farmer, said, “Fish and fry from my project were swept away by the current. However, if the rain doesn’t intensify, I don’t expect major losses.”

In Ward 3 of Bangalhalia Union, including the Dak Bungalow Para area near Kali Bari, severe waterlogging has been reported. Roads have developed large potholes and have become nearly impassable.

Locals also noted that unplanned construction near Bangalhalia Bazar has worsened waterlogging. “Even light rain causes flooding because of poor drainage,” said a resident of the market’s eastern side. “Two days of continuous rain and hill runoff have submerged our roads. Water has entered homes in low-lying areas. A drainage system is urgently needed.”

Bappi Dev, the female UP member of wards 5, 6, and 7 of Bangalhalia Union, said, “Rain has become a curse for our people. Every year, this area floods first due to hill runoff and heavy rainfall. Unplanned construction over Bangalhalia canal has blocked the drainage path, forcing us to live in these harsh conditions.”

In Ghilaichhari Union’s Noapara village, farmers Abu Sayed and Rafique Mia said, “Our planted paddy, bitter gourd, snake gourd, ridge gourd, ladies’ fingers, and cucumber fields are all submerged. We will suffer heavy losses.”

Despite preparations by the upazila administration, residents in high-risk zones remain reluctant to move to shelters. Loudspeaker announcements have been made throughout the day, particularly for those living near the Kaptai River, urging them to evacuate. However, many have refused to leave their homes.

“We are barely surviving. These two days have been extremely difficult,” said a local resident.

Rajasthali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sajib Kanti Rudra visited the affected areas and said primary schools in all three unions have been designated as emergency shelters. He urged residents in vulnerable areas to take shelter there for their safety.