Brahmanbaria: Sudden runoff from India's Tripura state has flooded low-lying areas of three border unions in Akhaura upazila of Brahmanbaria district, inundating around 250 hectares of cropland and leaving dozens of families stranded. The affected areas are mainly in Mogora, South and Monionda unions, where the sudden surge of water has submerged agricultural land, creating concern among local residents as water levels continue to rise.
According to United News of Bangladesh, local officials reported that around 32 families have been affected, although residents estimate the number of waterlogged households to be closer to 40. A visit to the affected areas found water entering through Rajipur Khal beside Abdullahpur Government Primary School, leading to waterlogging in nearby areas.
Large areas of farmland in Kalikapur, Kendubai, Rahimpur, and Rajendrapur villages under South Union have gone underwater, with several homes also inundated. Water has entered an import-export office opposite the Akhaura land port, while an adjacent tea shop and hotel have been forced to suspend operations due to flooding.
Abu Hanif from Rajendrapur village remarked on the damage caused by the sudden flow of water from India, noting that ponds and croplands have been submerged despite there being no rainfall in the area. Zahir Mia, a member of Ward No. 7 of South Union, highlighted the inundation of homes and fields in Rahimpur, Kendubai, and Bengachhar villages, suggesting that cleaning the Jaji River and nearby canals could expedite drainage.
Akhaura Upazila Agriculture Officer Md Masud Rana stated that about 25 hectares of farmland in Akhaura municipality, Mogora, and South Union areas have been submerged. However, he expressed hope that if the water recedes quickly, significant crop damage could be averted.
Akhaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer Taposhi Rabea assured that the authorities are closely monitoring the situation. She emphasized the seriousness of the rising water levels, noting that approximately 32 families are currently waterlogged. Schools in the border areas have been prepared as potential shelters, although no families have relocated there yet. Relief materials have been prepared for distribution if necessary.