Due to the influence of a low-pressure system, the coastal district of Noakhali has been experiencing continuous rainfall accompanied by strong gusty winds. The Bay of Bengal, adjacent to Hatiya Upazila, has become extremely turbulent.
Hatiya’s Communication Cut Off as deteriorating weather forces Upazila administration to suspend all types of naval transport with the rest of the country starting from 11:30 AM on Wednesday.
According to Humayun Kabir, acting officer of the Noakhali District Meteorological Office, a total of 67 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the 24 hours leading up to 9:00 AM on Thursday. He stated, “The well-marked low over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas has intensified further into a depression. It is likely to continue strengthening and move northward. Under its influence, squally and gusty winds may sweep across the northern Bay, the coastal regions of Bangladesh, and its seaports. The sea remains rough, especially near the center of the depression.”
In response, all fishing boats and trawlers in the northern Bay have been advised to seek shelter immediately and to remain in safe zones until further notice. A local cautionary signal number three has also been issued for maritime areas.
Meanwhile, since Wednesday morning, the water level in the rivers surrounding Nijhum Dwip has risen by 5 to 6 feet above normal tides. As a result, residents of all 9 wards of the island are now waterlogged. Many homes have been flooded, putting local communities in distress.
Local residents reported that the Meghna River is flowing 4 to 5 feet above its usual level. Shops along the riverbanks and near the boat terminals had to be evacuated. Several shops were swept away by the strong tidal surge. The absence of embankments around Nijhum Dwip has allowed tidal waters to flood most areas.
With Hatiya’s communication cut off from the mainland, people from Noakhali are unable to reach the island, and those on the island cannot travel to Noakhali either. Saiful Islam, a resident of Burirchar Union in Hatiya, said, “It’s been raining non-stop since Wednesday, and the stormy winds haven’t stopped. Tidal waters have entered various areas, and the people here have been left without work under these circumstances.”
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Belal Hossain, a resident of Nijhum Dwip, said, “Due to the lack of embankments, tidal waters enter the island very easily. Areas like Namar Bazar and Shatful Bandar are already flooded.”
Another resident, Amzad Hossain, said that the rain, tidal water, and stormy winds have created immense suffering. “If the water doesn’t recede soon, the situation will worsen, and crops and vegetables will face even greater damage,” he added.
Md. Alauddin, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Hatiya, stated, “Due to the rough sea conditions, all ferry and boat operations between Hatiya and the mainland have been suspended from 11:30 AM Wednesday. This order will remain in effect until the weather improves. All fishing trawlers have been ordered to take shelter.”
Noakhali Deputy Commissioner Khandaker Istiak Ahmed mentioned that Upazila executive officers have been instructed to closely monitor the weather and take necessary action. “If the tidal water rises further, arrangements have been made to evacuate people from vulnerable areas to safe shelters. Cyclone shelters have been prepared,” he said.
He also added that the Water Development Board has been asked to monitor the risky embankments in the three coastal upazilas of Hatiya, Subarnachar, and Companiganj.
